☀️ Vitamin D3
Disclaimer: Brands presented are not the only ones to choose from. Examples and table names gives you an idea of possible choices only.
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Vitamin D supports:
- immune function
- bone health
- mood regulation
- inflammatory balance
Functional medicine often evaluates:
- vitamin D status
- inflammation
- calcium balance
- magnesium status alongside vitamin D
Typical maintenance ranges:
- 1,000–2,000 IU/day
- individualized based on labs
🧠 Vitamin B12
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Vitamin B12 supports:
- nerve health
- energy production
- red blood cell formation
- cognition
Risk factors for deficiency include:
- aging
- digestive disorders
- vegan diets
- acid-blocking medications
- metformin use
Preferred forms:
- methylcobalamin
- hydroxocobalamin
🟠 Vitamin E and Tocotrienols
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant.
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Functional medicine increasingly looks beyond alpha-tocopherol alone and studies:
- gamma tocotrienols
- delta tocotrienols
These forms may provide:
- stronger anti-inflammatory signaling
- cellular protection
- cardiovascular support
Essential Minerals for Modern Life
🟢 Magnesium
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Magnesium is one of the most common insufficiencies seen in modern lifestyles.
It supports:
- muscle function
- nervous system balance
- blood sugar regulation
- sleep
- stress resilience
Stress, processed foods, caffeine, and certain medications may increase magnesium depletion.
Preferred forms:
- glycinate
- citrate
- threonate
- malate
Typical ranges:
- 200–400 mg/day
🟠 Selenium
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Selenium supports:
- thyroid function
- antioxidant defense
- glutathione activity
- immune balance
Preferred form:
- selenomethionine
Too much selenium may become toxic, so balance matters.
⚡ Electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride
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Electrolytes regulate:
- hydration
- muscle contraction
- nerve signaling
- blood pressure
- cellular communication
Functional medicine evaluates:
- hydration quality
- adrenal stress
- sweating
- medication use
- processed food intake
Potassium-rich foods include:
- leafy greens
- avocado
- beans
- squash
- potatoes
Electrolyte balance is often more important than focusing on sodium alone.
Additional Functional Medicine Nutrients
🔋 CoQ10
Supports:
- mitochondrial energy production
- cardiovascular health
- oxidative stress reduction
Especially important in:
- aging
- statin medication use
- fatigue patterns
🧬 NAD and Cellular Energy
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is involved in:
- mitochondrial energy
- DNA repair
- aging research
- cellular resilience
Functional medicine discussions may include:
- nicotinamide riboside (NR)
- NMN
- B-vitamin support
Research is ongoing, and long-term evidence continues to evolve.