Tattoos have long been a popular way to express oneself, but have you ever thought about what is actually in the ink? New research suggests that tattoos can be a source of heavy metals that accumulate in the body and potentially have long-term health effects.

Heavy metals in Tattoo Ink

Most tattoo inks contain chemical compounds, including heavy metals that provide color and durability. Studies have identified:

• Mercury – Mainly found in black and red pigments
• Chromium – Used in red and green inks
• Cadmium, lead, zinc – Detected in white ink
• Arsenic – Can be present in some green pigments

These substances do not just remain in the skin. When the ink is injected, particles can travel through the body and accumulate in tissues and organs.

What Happens in the Body After a Tattoo?

1. The Immune System is Activated

When tattoo ink enters under the skin, the body perceives it as a foreign substance. Immune cells (macrophages) try to "eat" the ink particles and remove them.

• The problem? Most ink particles are too large to be completely eliminated, so macrophages lock them in the skin – this creates the permanent tattoo.
• Over time, some of the particles can still enter the bloodstream and move to the lymph nodes, which can affect the body's ability to fight infections.

Research shows that tattoo pigments can travel through the body and accumulate in lymph nodes, which can cause inflammatory reactions.
(Schreiver et al., Scientific Reports, 2017)

2. Toxic Substances Accumulate in the Body

The heavy metals in the ink can lodge in different parts of the body:

• Fat tissue – The body stores toxins in fat, which can make weight loss more difficult.
• Nervous system – Heavy metals can accumulate in brain cells and affect cognitive function and immunity.
• Internal organs – Metals can disrupt metabolism, strain the liver, and weaken the kidneys.

Research shows that ink particles can penetrate the bloodstream and accumulate in organs.
(Bernstein, A. et al., Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2020)

3. Disorders in the Nervous System and Hormonal Balance

Heavy metals in tattoo ink (such as mercury, lead, and nickel) can:

• Disrupt nerve pathways – lead to brain fog and chronic fatigue
• Weaken the immune system – make the body more susceptible to infections
• Affect hormones – disrupt menstruation, thyroid, and insulin balance

Studies show that people with tattoos may have higher levels of heavy metals in blood and urine.
(Høgsberg, T. et al., Dermatology, 2011)

Can Tattoos Make It Harder to Lose Weight?

Yes. When the body is overloaded with toxins, fat burning can slow down. When fat breaks down, stored heavy metals are released into the blood. If levels become too high, the body may reduce metabolism to avoid poisoning.

This can lead to:

• Difficulty losing weight
• Chronic fatigue
• Hormonal imbalances

Heavy metals can affect leptin and insulin levels, which regulate metabolism.
(Lind et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, 2014)

How to Support the Body's Natural Detox Process?

Tattoos can introduce heavy metals into the body, which can accumulate over time. To help the body detox naturally:

• Test your heavy metal levels – Regular blood tests do not detect heavy metals at the cellular level. Spectrophotometric analyses provide a more precise picture.
• Support the body's detox pathways – A diet rich in zinc, selenium, and magnesium can help remove heavy metals.
• Use targeted supplements – The body needs specific nutrients to effectively eliminate toxins.

How Can We Help?

At PureNordic, we specialize in measuring heavy metal levels using spectrophotometry, a technology that analyzes mineral and toxin levels inside the cells. This method allows for tailored supplements to support the body's natural detox process.

Do you have tattoos and experience symptoms like fatigue, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, or difficulty losing weight? It might be time to check your heavy metal levels.

Contact us today for more information or to order your test!