Uncovering Nutrient Deficiencies with Lab Work

When it comes to feeling better, many people think of diet, exercise, or even more sleep—and those are essential. But sometimes, even when we're doing "all the right things," we still feel tired, anxious, foggy, or just not ourselves. That's when I turn to one of the most powerful tools in my toolkit: nutrient testing.

Nutrient deficiencies often go unnoticed until they start showing up as symptoms. These imbalances can affect your energy, mood, immune function, hormones, and more. And rather than guess, we can test. Below are some of the most common labs I use to get a clearer picture of what your body truly needs.

1. RBC Magnesium

Magnesium plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical processes—supporting everything from sleep and mood to muscle relaxation and blood sugar balance.

While a standard serum magnesium test is common, it's not the most accurate reflection of your true magnesium status. That's why I often order RBC magnesium—this test looks at the magnesium inside your red blood cells, which gives a better picture of your long-term magnesium stores.

Deficiency signs might include:

• Muscle cramps or spasms

• Anxiety or restlessness

• Headaches or migraines

• Poor sleep

 2. Zinc

Zinc is a quiet hero in the body. It supports wound healing, immune function, skin health, and hormone balance. I often check plasma or serum zinc levels, especially in patients with acne, hair loss, frequent colds, or fertility concerns.

Zinc and copper have a delicate balance, so we often pair zinc testing with copper or ceruloplasmin to understand how they're working together.

Deficiency signs may include:

• Skin issues (acne, eczema, slow wound healing)

• Loss of taste or smell

• Frequent illness or slow recovery

• Hair thinning

3. Ceruloplasmin

Ceruloplasmin is a copper-carrying protein in the blood, and it helps regulate oxidative stress and iron metabolism. Testing this can help us understand how copper is functioning in your body—not just whether levels are high or low.

This test is especially helpful if there are signs of estrogen dominance, adrenal dysregulation, or oxidative stress. It can also help determine if copper imbalance is driving symptoms like mood swings, headaches, or PMS.

When I might test ceruloplasmin:

• If copper/zinc balance is off

• In cases of hormonal or adrenal imbalance

• When there's a history of high estrogen or birth control use

4. Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy Vitamin D)

Vitamin D is a hormone-like nutrient essential for immune health, mood stability, inflammation regulation, and bone strength. I often see low vitamin D levels in the Midwest, especially during the long winter months.

We aim for optimal—not just "normal"—levels, usually between 50–80 ng/mL, depending on your unique needs.

Signs of low vitamin D can include:

• Fatigue

• Low mood or seasonal depression

• Frequent colds or respiratory issues

• Bone or muscle aches

5. Ferritin

Ferritin is your body's iron storage protein, and it's one of the most common deficiencies I see, especially in menstruating individuals. Low ferritin can contribute to fatigue, hair shedding, and brain fog—even if your hemoglobin and hematocrit look fine.

I often check this alongside a full iron panel and assess symptoms like:

• Fatigue (especially with exertion)

• Cold hands and feet

• Hair thinning or loss

• Dizziness or palpitations

Optimal ferritin is usually above 50 ng/mL for most people (though higher needs may exist depending on energy and hair health).

6. Vitamin B12 & Folate

These two nutrients are essential for red blood cell production, nerve function, and mood regulation. I commonly run serum B12 and serum folate, and in some cases, a methylmalonic acid (MMA) test for a more functional assessment of B12 status.

Why it matters: Low levels may be due to poor absorption (common with gut issues), vegetarian/vegan diets, or genetic variations like MTHFR.

Symptoms of deficiency may include:

• Numbness or tingling in hands and feet

• Brain fog

• Depression or anxiety

• Fatigue that doesn't go away with rest

 Why Testing Matters in Naturopathic Care

Rather than guessing which supplements you need, testing allows us to take a precision-based approach. These labs help us uncover subtle imbalances that may be silently contributing to your symptoms.

And more importantly, it allows us to tailor your healing plan—one that honors your body's innate intelligence and ability to heal when supported properly.

🌿 Let's Get Curious Together

If you're feeling like something is "off" and you can't quite put your finger on it, lab testing might offer the clarity you've been missing. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, mood changes, hormonal shifts, or gut issues, identifying nutrient imbalances is often the first step toward healing.