Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to fatigue, low energy, hormonal imbalance, poor immunity, mood changes, and difficulty reaching health goals. Addressing deficiencies effectively requires understanding why they developed, not simply replacing nutrients.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies and may present with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, poor concentration, hair loss, and low exercise tolerance.
Common causes of low iron include:
Inadequate dietary intake
Poor absorption due to gut dysfunction
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Increased requirements (such as pregnancy)
Chronic inflammation
Underlying gastrointestinal conditions
My approach always focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of low iron, rather than simply prescribing an iron supplement. When supplementation is required, the form of iron is critical — many over-the-counter iron supplements contain forms that are poorly absorbed and commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, and bloating. Selecting the right form, dose, and timing can significantly improve both tolerance and effectiveness.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in energy production, nervous system function, and red blood cell formation. Low levels may contribute to fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, numbness or tingling, and poor stress resilience.
Common contributors include:
Poor dietary intake
Reduced stomach acid
Gut and absorption issues
Long-term medication use
Increased physiological demands
Genetic variations affecting methylation (such as MTHFR mutations), which can increase requirements or affect utilisation
Treatment is tailored to absorption capacity, with careful consideration of the most appropriate form and delivery method.
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is essential for muscle function, nervous system regulation, sleep quality, blood sugar balance, and stress response. Deficiency may present as muscle tension or cramps, headaches, anxiety, poor sleep, or fatigue.
Contributing factors can include:
Chronic stress
High physical or mental demand
Inadequate dietary intake
Poor gut absorption
Different forms of magnesium have very different effects in the body, and choosing the correct type is key to achieving the desired outcome without unwanted side effects.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D supports immune function, bone health, mood, and hormonal regulation. Low levels are common, particularly in individuals with limited sun exposure or increased demands.
Assessment and dosing are individualised to ensure safe and effective correction while supporting overall health goals.
Other Nutrient Deficiencies
Other nutrient deficiencies may also impact energy, mood, immunity, hormone balance, metabolic health, and fertility. Common examples include zinc, iodine, selenium, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and key trace minerals.
These deficiencies can arise due to increased requirements, dietary patterns, gut and absorption issues, chronic stress, medication use, or underlying health conditions. Addressing them effectively requires careful assessment and an individualised approach, as both deficiency and excess can negatively affect health.
Where appropriate, testing and clinical assessment are used to guide targeted support, ensuring nutrients are replaced in the right form, dose, and context for your body.