Nutrients
The raw materials of health. Every enzyme, hormone, and cellular process requires specific nutrients. Modern diets and depleted soils make deficiencies common—even when eating "healthy." Identifying and correcting nutrient gaps is often the most impactful intervention. Test, don't guess.
Nutrient Categories
Macronutrients
Protein, fats, carbohydrates. Provide energy and structure. Needed in large amounts.
Vitamins
Water-soluble (B, C) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K). Cofactors for thousands of reactions.
Minerals
Macro (calcium, magnesium, potassium) and trace (zinc, iron, selenium). Structural and enzymatic.
Amino Acids
9 essential, others conditional. Protein building blocks. Neurotransmitter precursors.
Fatty Acids
Omega-3, omega-6, saturated. Cell membranes, hormones, brain function.
Phytonutrients
Plant compounds. Polyphenols, carotenoids. Antioxidant, signaling functions.
Common Deficiencies
Vitamin D
~40% deficient. Indoor lifestyle. Critical for immunity, bones, mood.
Magnesium
~50% inadequate. Depleted soils. Stress increases need. 300+ reactions.
B12
Common in vegetarians, elderly. Needs intrinsic factor. Nerve function.
Iron
Women especially. Also common in gut issues. Energy, oxygen transport.
Zinc
Vegetarians, elderly at risk. Immune function, wound healing, taste.
Omega-3
Most don't eat enough fatty fish. Brain, inflammation, cardiovascular.
Potassium
97% don't get enough. Blood pressure, muscle function. In vegetables.
Iodine
Without iodized salt, often low. Thyroid essential. Seafood, seaweed.
Why Deficiencies Are Common
Depleted Soils
Modern farming strips minerals. Food has less nutrition than decades ago.
Processed Foods
Refining removes nutrients. Fortification doesn't replace what's lost.
Gut Issues
Malabsorption from gut damage, SIBO, low stomach acid. Can't absorb nutrients.
Medications
PPIs deplete B12, magnesium. Metformin depletes B12. Diuretics deplete minerals.
Increased Need
Stress, exercise, illness increase requirements. Standard diet can't keep up.
Genetics
MTHFR, VDR, other SNPs affect nutrient processing. Higher needs for some.