Clinical Nutrition
Nutrient deficiencies are far more common than most people realize, and can be the hidden cause of fatigue, poor immune function, mood issues and chronic disease.
Dr. MacLeod uses lab testing and clinical assessment to identify deficiencies and develop targeted treatment plans using food, supplements and when needed, injection or IV therapy.
How We Assess Nutritional Status
A comprehensive approach to identifying and correcting nutrient imbalances
Signs & Symptom Analysis
Many nutrient deficiencies produce characteristic signs and symptoms before they show up on lab tests. A thorough clinical assessment can reveal deficiencies through:
- Skin, hair and nail changes
- Energy and fatigue patterns
- Mood and cognitive symptoms
- Muscle cramps and weakness
- Digestive function
Laboratory Assessment
Blood work provides objective measurement of nutrient levels. We test markers often overlooked in standard panels:
- Vitamin B12, folate, iron studies
- Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium
- Zinc, copper, selenium
- Homocysteine, methylation markers
- Organic acids (functional testing)
Dietary Analysis
Understanding your current eating patterns helps identify why deficiencies developed and how to prevent them from recurring:
- Food intake patterns
- Absorption issues
- Medication interactions
- Lifestyle factors
- Individual nutrient needs
Targeted Nutrient Replenishment
Multiple delivery methods ensure you get the nutrients you need at therapeutic levels
Food First
Dietary modification to increase nutrient-dense foods specific to your deficiencies. Food provides nutrients in their most natural, bioavailable form along with cofactors that enhance absorption.
Foundation of treatment
Oral Supplements
Professional-grade supplements in optimal forms for absorption. Capsules, tablets, powders and liquids selected based on your specific needs and digestive capacity.
For moderate deficiencies
Nutrient Injections
Intramuscular B12 and other nutrient injections bypass digestive absorption entirely. Ideal for those with absorption issues or severe deficiencies.
For absorption issues
IV Nutrient Therapy
Intravenous delivery achieves blood levels impossible with oral supplementation. Used for rapid correction of severe deficiencies or when high therapeutic doses are needed.
For severe deficiencies
Common Nutrient Deficiencies
Signs and symptoms that may indicate specific nutrient insufficiencies
Vitamin B12
One of the most common deficiencies, especially in vegetarians, older adults and those taking metformin or acid blockers.
Common signs:
Fatigue, numbness/tingling, poor memory, depression, smooth tongue
Iron
Common in menstruating women, vegetarians and those with digestive issues. Often under-diagnosed using standard lab ranges.
Common signs:
Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, cold hands/feet, brittle nails, restless legs
Vitamin D
Extremely common in Canada due to limited sun exposure. Affects immune function, mood, bone health and more.
Common signs:
Frequent illness, fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, depression, slow wound healing
Magnesium
Depleted by stress, alcohol and many medications. Standard blood tests miss most deficiencies.
Common signs:
Muscle cramps, insomnia, anxiety, headaches, constipation, heart palpitations
Zinc
Essential for immune function, wound healing and hormone production. Common in vegetarians and those with digestive issues.
Common signs:
Frequent infections, slow wound healing, hair loss, loss of taste/smell, skin issues
Folate
Critical for methylation, mood and energy. Some people have genetic variants (MTHFR) that impair folate metabolism.
Common signs:
Fatigue, irritability, sore tongue, digestive issues, elevated homocysteine
Conditions Linked to Nutrient Deficiency
Many chronic health conditions have nutritional deficiencies as an underlying or contributing factor. Addressing these deficiencies can significantly improve outcomes.
Who Should Consider Testing?
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Those with digestive disorders (IBS, Crohn's, celiac)
- People taking medications (PPIs, metformin, statins)
- Those with unexplained fatigue or mood issues
- Anyone with chronic health conditions
- Older adults (absorption decreases with age)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need testing if I eat a healthy diet?
Even with a healthy diet, deficiencies can occur due to soil depletion, digestive issues that impair absorption, medications that deplete nutrients, genetic variations affecting metabolism or increased needs due to stress or health conditions. Testing removes the guesswork.
How is this different from taking a multivitamin?
Multivitamins provide small, generic doses of many nutrients. Clinical nutrition identifies your specific deficiencies and provides therapeutic doses of exactly what you need. This targeted approach is more effective and avoids unnecessary supplementation.
When would IV therapy be recommended over oral supplements?
IV therapy is typically recommended when digestive absorption is compromised, deficiencies are severe and need rapid correction or when therapeutic doses higher than oral absorption allows are beneficial (such as high-dose vitamin C for immune support).
Is nutritional testing covered by insurance?
Naturopathic consultations are covered by many extended health plans. Lab testing is typically an out-of-pocket expense but qualifies as a medical expense for tax purposes. We'll discuss costs upfront so you can make informed decisions.
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Uncover Hidden Deficiencies
Book a consultation to assess your nutritional status and develop a targeted plan to optimize your nutrient levels and improve your health.