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.
Understanding your nutritional needs
How We Assess Nutritional Status
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Review your concerns
Discuss your symptoms, health history, medications and priorities, including changes in energy, digestion, skin, hair or nails.
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Understand your eating patterns
Review your food intake, dietary preferences, lifestyle and factors that may affect absorption or individual nutrient needs.
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Consider relevant testing
Review previous results and discuss whether further laboratory assessment would help guide your plan. Examples include B12, folate, iron studies and vitamin D.
The foundation of your plan
Food First
Dietary changes are the foundation of care. Your plan focuses on nutrient-dense foods, your current eating patterns and your individual needs.
Food choices, preferences and digestive concerns are considered together, with recommendations tailored to your circumstances.
Other options considered during assessment
- Oral supplements
- Capsules, tablets, powders or liquids selected according to your nutritional needs and digestive capacity.
- Injections & IV therapy
- These options require individual assessment. All new patients complete an initial consultation first; any recommended injection or IV treatment is scheduled separately afterward. About IV therapy
Common Nutrient Deficiencies
Explore the nutrient information below, or learn about nutrient testing.
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
Your Health in Context
Your assessment brings together your concerns, eating patterns, previous results and current care. Dietary preferences, digestive disorders, medications and changes in needs over time all inform the discussion.
Bring a current list of medications and supplements, along with any results you would like reviewed.
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.
Learn More
Explore our articles on nutrition and health optimization.
Fiber: Food Sources and Everyday Benefits
What fiber does, where to find it and practical ways to increase your intake gradually.
Natural Approaches to Digestive Health
An introduction to common digestive concerns, the gut microbiome and approaches to assessment and care.
Sustainable Weight Management: A Naturopathic Approach
Metabolic health, nutrition, sleep and sustainable habits in the context of weight management.
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.