25-OH D
Vitamin D
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the principal blood marker used to assess vitamin D status. Results are interpreted with supplement use, health history and factors affecting bone and mineral metabolism.
Nutrient Testing
Nutrient testing can assess vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, folate, magnesium, zinc and other markers. A private testing plan can be tailored to your diet, symptoms, supplements, medications, previous results and testing priorities.
A personalized approach
Choose the nutrients you want assessed
Symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss or poor concentration can have several possible causes. Dr. MacLeod reviews the nutrients you want assessed and recommends a testing panel based on your diet, health history, medications, supplements and previous results.
- 1
Understand your priorities
Diet, symptoms, medical history, medications, supplements, previous results and the nutrients you want tested are reviewed.
- 2
Build the panel
Dr. MacLeod recommends a focused or broader group of markers and reviews any additional tests you would like included.
- 3
Interpret and investigate
If a deficiency is identified, the result is considered alongside possible causes rather than treated as an isolated number.
Common nutrient markers
What the tests measure
These markers measure different aspects of nutrient status. Your panel can include the tests most relevant to your needs as well as additional nutrients you would like assessed.
B12
Vitamin B12
Serum vitamin B12 is commonly used as an initial marker. Methylmalonic acid may help clarify some borderline or discordant results, although kidney function can affect its interpretation.
Iron
Ferritin and iron studies
Ferritin provides information about iron stores. A complete assessment may also include a CBC, serum iron, transferrin or total iron-binding capacity and transferrin saturation.
B9
Folate
Folate is required for DNA synthesis and normal blood cell production. Serum or red-cell folate results are interpreted with diet, supplementation and related blood markers.
Mg
Magnesium
Magnesium status is difficult to characterize with a single test because most magnesium is in bone and tissues. Serum, red-cell or urine measurements each have limitations and are interpreted clinically.
Zn
Zinc
Serum or plasma zinc can contribute to an assessment, but the result varies with collection time, meals, infection, inflammation and other physiological factors.
Understanding results
Nutrient markers have important limitations
The result must be interpreted in the setting in which it was collected. An apparently low or high value may require confirmation, related tests or assessment of another health condition.
One marker may not tell the whole story
A nutrient can have several laboratory markers, and each may reflect a different aspect of intake, transport, storage or metabolism.
Health conditions can change a result
Inflammation can increase ferritin, kidney impairment can increase methylmalonic acid and acute illness can affect several nutrient measurements.
Supplements affect interpretation
Recent or ongoing supplementation may raise a measured level without resolving the reason it was low. The dose, form and timing should be reviewed before collection.
Iron supplementation can be harmful when it is not indicated, and high doses of some nutrients can cause toxicity or interact with medications. Supplements should be included in the medication review and should not be stopped or changed solely to prepare for testing unless specifically instructed.
Selecting tests
When nutrient testing may be considered
These are common reasons to investigate nutrient status. Your testing plan can be focused on a known concern or expanded to provide a broader assessment.
- A restricted diet or prolonged low intake of particular food groups
- A condition or surgery that may affect digestion or nutrient absorption
- Medication use associated with a specific nutrient concern
- Unexplained anemia or an abnormal CBC that requires further assessment
- Pregnancy planning or another life stage with different nutrient requirements
- Monitoring a previously identified deficiency or a prescribed supplement plan
Private testing in Nova Scotia
How the testing process works
A family doctor or specialist referral is not required. Dr. MacLeod helps you build the panel, reviews costs and provides preparation instructions before collection.
- 1
Consultation and planning
Diet, symptoms, health history, supplements, medications, previous results and testing priorities are reviewed.
- 2
Requisition and collection
A private laboratory requisition is provided. Costs and any preparation instructions are confirmed before collection.
- 3
Results and follow-up
Results are reviewed with their limitations. Follow-up may include investigating a cause, treatment or repeat testing.
Laboratory testing ordered through a naturopathic doctor is not covered by MSI. Some extended health plans may cover naturopathic appointments, but laboratory coverage varies.
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Related Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's requisition for nutrient testing?
You do not need a family doctor or specialist referral. I can provide a private laboratory requisition after reviewing your health history, supplements, previous results and the nutrients you want assessed.
Can I request a comprehensive nutrient panel?
Yes. Your panel can be focused on particular nutrients or expanded to provide a broader assessment. I will explain the available markers, recommend tests based on your history and previous results, and review the full cost before the requisition is completed.
How are nutrient results interpreted?
Results are compared with the reporting laboratory's reference intervals and interpreted with your symptoms, diet, supplements, medications, related markers and previous results.
Do I need to fast or stop supplements before testing?
Preparation depends on the markers selected. Food intake and recent supplements can affect some tests, so specific instructions will be provided. Do not stop prescribed medication or change supplements unless you have been instructed to do so.
When should an abnormal nutrient test be repeated?
The timing depends on the nutrient, the degree of abnormality, the suspected cause and any treatment provided. Repeat testing is used when it is likely to confirm a finding or change management, rather than at a fixed interval for every person.
Plan Your Nutrient Testing
Book an initial consultation to review your concerns, previous results and the vitamins, minerals or related markers you would like assessed.
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