If you’re committed to taking care of your health, you know that supplements can play a role in filling gaps your diet might not cover. But there’s one thing that matters just as much as the supplements themselves: making sure they’re the right ones for you, right now.
Your body’s needs change over time. Stress levels, sleep patterns, diet, exercise, and even the seasons can affect nutrient levels. That’s why I recommend updating your supplement protocol at least twice a year—and basing those updates on your lab results.
Why Lab Tests Matter
Without testing, you’re guessing.
Lab results can reveal deficiencies you can’t feel yet—like low vitamin D in the winter, or subtle changes in iron, B12, or magnesium. They can also help identify imbalances that might make certain supplements unnecessary, or even harmful, if you’re already getting enough from food.
The Twice-a-Year Check-In
Spring/Summer: Assess your winter vitamin D, adjust for more fresh produce, and monitor hydration minerals.
Fall/Winter: Recheck vitamin D, immune support nutrients (zinc, vitamin C), and any markers affected by seasonal changes.
Fine-Tuning Your Protocol
Get the right labs. Ask your provider for a comprehensive panel, including key vitamins, minerals, and markers for inflammation and blood sugar.
Review with a professional. A nutritionist, functional medicine provider, or wellness coach can help you interpret your results.
Adjust strategically. Add, remove, or change doses based on your unique results—not trends or ads.
How to Get Labs Done Conveniently and Affordably
You don’t have to wait for your annual physical to get the tests you want. Through my partnership with Ulta Lab Tests, you can order your own labs online, have them done locally at a nearby lab draw center, and get results sent directly to you—often at discounted prices compared to standard medical billing. This gives you the freedom to track your health markers on your schedule and make informed choices about your supplements.
When you work with your body’s data instead of just your habits, your supplements become more effective, your health investment goes further, and you avoid wasting money on pills you don’t need.
Bottom line: Treat your supplement protocol like your fitness program—it should evolve with you. Check in with your labs, make changes at least twice a year, and keep your health plan personal and precise.
