Nutritional Deficiency Testing for Naturopathic Patients in Ontario

Discover vitamin, mineral, iron, B12, heavy metal and fatty acid testing with our naturopathic clinic in Ontario. Assess nutrient levels and optimize your health.

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Nutritional Deficiency Testing for Naturopathic Patients in Ontario

At Liberty Wellness, our naturopathic approach to health centers on understanding your unique health status including your nutritional parameters. Dr. Julie Chan is a board-licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Acupuncturist and has a strong focus in nutritional counselling and comprehensive lab testing. We offer advanced nutrient testing — through trusted labs like Dynacare, LifeLabs, Doctor’s Data, and US Biotek — to assess a wide range of nutrients and possible toxic burdens. Our panels include tests for vitamin D, iron, B12, amino acids, multivitamins, minerals, heavy metals, fatty acids, and antioxidant capacity, giving us a detailed picture of your metabolic health and guiding truly personalized care.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for bone strength, immune regulation, inflammation control, and mood balance. Measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D helps determine whether levels are sufficient for long-term wellness.

Why It’s Especially Important in Canada

Due to Canada’s northern latitude, UVB exposure is inadequate for natural vitamin D synthesis for much of the year. A Canadian modelling study analyzing UV index data from 13 locations showed that during fall and winter, even fair-skinned individuals cannot reliably synthesize 1000 IU of vitamin D during typical exposure windows (Gill et al., 2015). This makes routine testing and guided supplementation especially relevant for Canadians. A Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) report found that 57% of men and 60% of women had 25(OH)D below 75 nmol/L, with lowest levels in spring and winter (Green-Finestone et al., 2011). In Southern Ontario, nearly 93% of young adults had winter serum 25(OH)D below 75 nmol/L. Dietary insufficiency is also widespread: older national surveys show over 90% of Ontario adults consume less vitamin D than the Estimated Average Requirement

Sun Exposure Needed for ~1000 IU

Research shows that exposing roughly ¼ of body surface area (such as arms and face) to midday summer sunlight for about 14–30 minutes can produce ~1000 IU in fair-skinned individuals (Gill et al., 2015). Darker-skinned individuals may require much longer, and during low-UV seasons in Canada, sunlight cannot generate this amount at all. The use of sunscreens further blocks our ability to make vitamin D so most people do not make enough vitamin D to maintain a healthy level in the body.

Why Vitamin D Matters

Vitamin D supports bone mineralization, calcium metabolism, immunity, mood stability, and plays a strong anti-inflammatory role. Deficiency has been associated with autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers (Wimalawansa, 2025). Low vitamin D is linked to weakened bones, greater infection risk, mood imbalances, chronic inflammation, and exacerbation of inflammatory conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Testing allows us to determine whether safe sun exposure, diet, or supplementation is needed to restore optimal levels.

Vitamin D and Immune Function

Vitamin D enhances innate immunity by promoting antimicrobial peptides in the lungs, regulates inflammatory responses, and supports adaptive immunity. Low vitamin D is associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections. In a Canadian randomized trial, preschool children receiving higher winter vitamin D doses had reduced severity of upper respiratory tract infections (Hueniken et al., 2019).

Iron

Iron is essential for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function. Our iron panel (serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation) assesses circulating iron, storage levels, and transport capacity.

Why Iron Testing Matters

Iron deficiency is among the most common deficiencies globally. Canadian research (Pediatric Child Health) shows it is a significant issue for children. Ontario data indicate peak low ferritin levels between 15–18 months of age, marking a critical period for screening (Lawson Centre for Child Nutrition).

Health Consequences

Low iron can cause fatigue, irritability, impaired growth, and cognitive delays in children. Adults may experience decreased exercise tolerance, cognitive slowing, and weakened immunity. Excess iron can also be harmful, contributing to oxidative stress. Testing both stored and circulating iron helps guide safe, individualized interventions.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is necessary for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, nerve function, and methylation. Testing helps detect deficiency or functional insufficiency that may not show up on routine labs.

Why It Matters

B12 supports neurological function and epigenetic regulation. Low levels impair formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), affecting DNA methylation and neurotransmitter synthesis (Mosca et al., 2021). Research shows B12 treatment can improve neurological symptoms such as neuropathy, especially in overt deficiency (Ali et al., 2025). Meta-analyses also link low B12 to cognitive decline, and correcting levels may improve cognition in certain populations (Alruwaili et al., 2023).

Deficiency Risks

Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, numbness/tingling, memory issues, and mood changes. Severe deficiency can cause irreversible nerve damage, making early testing critical. B12 deficiency is common even beyond vegetarian and vegan populations due to soil depletion, poor absorption, or autoimmune disease.

Multivitamin & Mineral Panel

This panel measures vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex, and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, copper, and calcium. These nutrients act as cofactors in essential biochemical reactions. Imbalances may present as fatigue, immune weakness, skin problems, or cognitive slowing. Understanding your baseline allows targeted dietary and supplement planning.

Fatty Acids Analysis

This test evaluates omega-3, omega-6, and other fatty acids to assess inflammation, cardiovascular risk, and cellular membrane integrity. Imbalanced ratios—particularly excess omega-6—contribute to chronic inflammation, while low omega-3 is associated with mood concerns and cardiovascular issues. Results guide dietary recommendations (e.g., fatty fish, flax) or supplementation.

Why Testing Matters

Nutrient testing offers a clearer understanding of your unique physiology, helping identify imbalances early and shaping a nutrition, herbal, and lifestyle plan tailored to you. With accessible options through Ontario labs and specialized functional testing, it’s simple to get started. If you’re wondering whether nutrient imbalances may be affecting your energy, mood, immunity, or long-term health, book a consultation and we’ll explore your results together and create a personalized plan to support you from the inside out.

Nutritional Deficiency Testing for Naturopathic Patients in Ontario

Nutritional Deficiency Testing for Naturopathic Patients in Ontario

Vitamin D

Why It’s Especially Important in Canada

Sun Exposure Needed for ~1000 IU

Why Vitamin D Matters

Vitamin D and Immune Function