Nutrient Testing
Even with a good diet, hidden nutrient deficiencies are remarkably common. We test key vitamins and minerals using optimal functional ranges that catch subclinical deficiency before symptoms become serious.
of Canadians are vitamin D deficient
Canadians have insufficient B12 levels
of premenopausal women are iron deficient
of Canadians don't meet magnesium intake requirements
Why Standard Nutrient Testing Falls Short
If you're eating well but still struggling with fatigue, brain fog, hair loss or frequent illness, nutrient deficiencies may be the missing piece. Standard blood work rarely includes comprehensive nutrient testing, and when it does, results are compared to ranges designed to detect severe deficiency, not optimal function.
A "normal" vitamin D level of 30 nmol/L, for example, technically avoids rickets but is far below the 100–150 nmol/L range where most people feel and function their best. The gap between "not deficient" and "optimal" is where many people live, and suffer.
What Standard Testing Misses
Levels technically "normal" but too low for optimal function
Serum magnesium can be normal while tissue stores are depleted
Total B12 may look fine while active B12 is low
Hemoglobin alone misses early iron depletion seen on ferritin
The Comprehensive Nutrient Panel
We test the nutrients most commonly deficient and most impactful for your health.
Vitamin D
Essential for immune function, bone health, mood and energy. Deficiency is extremely common in northern latitudes, especially in Nova Scotia's long winters.
Optimal range: 100–150 nmol/L
Vitamin B12
Critical for nerve function, energy production and red blood cell formation. Low levels cause fatigue, brain fog, numbness and mood changes.
Optimal range: 400–600 pmol/L
Iron Panel
Includes ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, especially in women.
Optimal ferritin: 50–100 µg/L
Magnesium (RBC)
We test red blood cell magnesium, not serum. Serum levels represent only 1% of body magnesium and stay normal until stores are severely depleted.
Optimal range: 2.0–2.5 mmol/L
Zinc
Essential for immune function, wound healing, thyroid conversion and over 300 enzymatic reactions. Low zinc is associated with frequent infections and slow healing.
Optimal range: 14–18 µmol/L
Folate
Vital for methylation, DNA synthesis and mood regulation. Low folate contributes to fatigue, depression and elevated homocysteine, a cardiovascular risk marker.
Optimal range: >30 nmol/L
Why Deficiencies Are So Common, Even With a Good Diet
Most people assume that eating well means they're getting enough nutrients. But the reality is more complicated. Soil depletion, food processing, stress, medications and digestive issues all reduce the nutrients your body actually absorbs and retains.
Add in factors unique to our region, limited sun exposure for 6+ months of the year, higher rates of gut issues that impair absorption and widespread use of medications like PPIs and birth control that deplete key nutrients, and it becomes clear why so many Nova Scotians are running on empty.
Testing removes the guesswork. Rather than supplementing blindly, we identify exactly what your body needs and in what amounts.
Common Causes of Nutrient Depletion
- Acid-reducing medications (PPIs) deplete B12, magnesium, iron
- Birth control pills deplete B6, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc
- Chronic stress increases magnesium, zinc and B vitamin requirements
- Gut issues (IBS, celiac, low stomach acid) impair absorption
- Northern latitude reduces vitamin D production October–April
- Heavy periods significantly increase iron loss in women
Signs You May Have a Nutrient Deficiency
Energy & Mood
- Persistent fatigue despite adequate sleep
- Brain fog and poor concentration
- Low mood or depression
- Anxiety or irritability
- Poor stress tolerance
Physical Signs
- Hair loss or thinning
- Brittle nails or white spots on nails
- Frequent colds and infections
- Muscle cramps or restless legs
- Slow wound healing
- Pale skin or dark circles under eyes
Nutrient Testing Access in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, comprehensive nutrient testing is difficult to access through conventional channels. MSI covers very few nutrient markers, and many family doctors are limited in what they can order. Common gaps include:
- Vitamin D is sometimes available, but follow-up testing is often denied
- RBC magnesium is almost never ordered, serum magnesium is a poor indicator
- Iron panels are often incomplete, checking hemoglobin but not ferritin
- B12 testing may be available, but optimal ranges differ significantly from lab cutoffs
Through our practice, you can access complete nutrient testing without a family doctor requisition. Results are interpreted using optimal functional ranges, and we develop targeted supplementation plans based on your actual levels, not guesswork.
Getting Started
Comprehensive nutrient testing includes Vitamin D, B12, iron panel (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC), RBC magnesium, zinc and folate. Most extended health insurance plans cover naturopathic consultations.
Book OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's requisition for nutrient testing?
No. As a naturopathic doctor, I can order comprehensive nutrient panels directly. You don't need a family doctor or specialist referral to access testing.
Why do you use different "optimal" ranges than the lab?
Standard lab ranges are designed to identify severe deficiency, not optimal health. They're based on the general population, including people who are unwell. Functional optimal ranges reflect the levels at which research shows people feel and function best. For example, a vitamin D of 35 nmol/L is "normal" by lab standards but associated with increased risk of illness and fatigue.
Can't I just take a multivitamin instead of testing?
A multivitamin provides small, standardized doses that may not address your specific deficiencies. If your ferritin is 15 and your vitamin D is 25, you need targeted therapeutic doses, not the token amounts in a daily multi. Testing tells us exactly what you need and how much, which saves you money on unnecessary supplements and ensures you're actually correcting the problem.
Do I need to fast before nutrient testing?
Fasting is not required for most nutrient tests. However, for the iron panel specifically, morning fasting samples give the most accurate results. If we're combining nutrient testing with other blood work (like a metabolic panel), we may recommend fasting. Specific instructions will be provided at your appointment.
How long does it take to correct a nutrient deficiency?
It depends on the nutrient and the severity of deficiency. Iron stores can take 3–6 months to rebuild. Vitamin D levels typically improve within 2–3 months with proper supplementation. B12 deficiency may resolve more quickly with appropriate forms and doses. We retest at intervals to confirm you're on track and adjust doses as needed.
Stop Guessing. Start Testing.
Find out exactly which nutrients your body needs, and in what amounts, so you can feel like yourself again.
Book Online