Treatment For Nutrient Deficiencies
Vitamin B12
Vitamin D
Iron and folate
Zinc and magnesium
Holistic Treatment Tailored to Your Unique Health Needs
Australian Centre for Functional Medicine takes a holistic approach to your healthcare, recognising that your illness is more than just physical symptoms. We believe your symptoms are often part of a more significant problem, and by addressing the root cause, we can help you achieve long-term health and wellness.
Throughout this page, you can explore various conditions directly related to Nutrient Deficiencies and common symptoms associated with these conditions.
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Iron Deficiency
Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to produce a protein called haemoglobin in your red blood cells. This critical protein carries oxygen in your blood from your lungs to all the cells in your body. If your iron levels are low, your body might not be able to produce enough haemoglobin, which can result in reduced oxygen supply to your cells and tissues.
Various factors, including blood loss or insufficient iron in your diet, can cause iron deficiency. Some people have an inability to absorb iron, which could be a result of other conditions, such as coeliac disease. Without enough iron, you could feel tired, fatigued or unable to concentrate.
Your body cannot produce iron, so the only mineral source is the foods you eat. You can become iron deficient if your body uses more iron than you ingest. If you think you may have an iron deficiency, AUSCFM can help you by checking your iron levels and recommending ways to increase your iron intake through dietary changes or supplements.
Common Symptoms
- Poor memory and concentration
- Behaviour problems in children
- Feeling tired and weak
- Getting infections
- Decreased libido
Iron Overload
Your body needs iron to produce haemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all the cells in your body. When there is an excess of iron in your body, it can lead to an iron overload. The excess iron is deposited in organs such as your liver, heart, and endocrine system, leading to damage and severe health risks.
Iron overload is commonly caused by an inherited condition called haemochromatosis. However, it can also be caused by hemolysis (where the body destroys its red blood cells) or excessive iron intake through diet or supplements.
While there is no cure for iron overload, with the help of AUSCFM, you can maintain your health and well-being. We may recommend dietary changes, including low-iron foods, avoiding supplements that can increase iron absorption, or, in some cases, having blood removed from your body to lower your iron levels. Your AUSCFM doctor will recommend the best course of action for your situation.
Common Symptoms (asymptomatic in many)
- Joint or abdominal pain
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Decreased libido
- Chronic fatigue
- Bronze skin
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is a vital water-soluble nutrient critical to sustaining a healthy lifestyle. It is a crucial component of enzymes involved in DNA synthesis, fatty acid production, and myelin creation. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system—vitamin B12 should be part of your daily diet.
A deficiency of vitamin B12 in your body can lead to serious health issues, including heart failure, gastric cancer, and neurological conditions. You could also be at risk of autoimmune disorders, such as Type 1 diabetes, myasthenia gravis, Hashimoto’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in older people but can also affect younger people. Treatments are usually very effective, with most people responding well to oral supplements. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a vitamin B12 injection for a quicker response.
We will monitor your ongoing vitamin B12 levels and recommend additional treatments, where needed, to maintain your health and well-being.
Common Symptoms
- Neurological or cognitive problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Pale or yellow skin
- Depression
- Fatigue
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and improving the absorption of vital micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Depending on one’s age, a vitamin D deficiency can pose a variety of health risks, including seizures (babies), rickets (children), and osteoporosis (adults).
Many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to poor dietary intake, absorption issues, and certain medications or medical conditions. More than 1 in 3 Australian adults has mild, moderate, or severe vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D deficiency is relatively simple to treat; we may recommend different remedies depending on your situation. Treatments could include supplements or be as simple as spending more time outdoors to allow your body to absorb vitamin D from sunlight (while always being sun-smart, of course!).
Common Symptoms
- Immune dysfunction i.e. frequent infections or impaired wound healing
- Osteoporosis in adults
- Rickets in children
- Bone pain
- Fatigue
Folate Deficiency
Folate, also called vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin integral to the enzymes involved in multiple metabolic processes in your body. It is a crucial component in many healthy foods, including certain fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, and beef liver. If your body has inadequate folate intake, you may have a deficiency.
Inadequate intake of folate has been linked to a higher risk of arteriosclerosis, stroke, and neural tube defects in babies, among other health issues. Folate is especially important for pregnant women, as it is needed for the growth and formation of the neural tube in your foetus during weeks five and six of your pregnancy.
Stay healthy and ensure your body gets all the vital nutrients it needs by including folate-rich foods.
Common Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Neurological problems like neuropathies or memory loss
- Mouth sores
- Tongue swelling
Zinc Deficiency
Zinc is an essential micronutrient that helps your body maintain healthy protein, lipid, and nucleic acid metabolism and gene transcription. It also plays a significant role in reproduction, immune function, and wound repair and helps prevent common health problems.
Some common foods containing zinc include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, and more. People who struggle to absorb nutrients from food or those who suffer from digestive disorders are more likely to be deficient in zinc.
Unfortunately, zinc deficiency is all too common due to the lack of zinc in our diets and may lead to many issues, including infections, inflammations, and digestive problems.
Common Symptoms
- Impaired sense of taste or smell
- Immune dysfunction
- Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea
- Skin lesions
- Reproductive problems, including low sperm count or decreased function of the sexual organs
Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is a crucial electrolyte that plays a vital role in various biological processes linked to muscle and nerve function, blood pressure and sugar regulation, and bone, protein, and DNA production.
Magnesium deficiency can occur due to certain factors, such as chronic disease, gastrointestinal and renal issues, and alcohol abuse. If left untreated, magnesium deficiency may lead to the development of health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
If you suspect magnesium deficiency, our team can help you recognise these symptoms and guide you in balancing the magnesium in your system.
Common Symptoms
- Appetite loss
- Muscle spasms
- Fatigue and weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting
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