The Top Nutrients Australians Are Low In — And How Functional Testing Fixes the Problem

Most Australians believe they’re eating “pretty healthy,” yet functional testing tells a very different story. In 2025, the vast majority of test results we review at Wellbeing George Nutrition show consistent gaps — even in clients who eat extremely well.

This article breaks down the top nutrient deficiencies, why they matter, and how the right testing creates targeted, life-changing improvements.

1. Vitamin D — The Australian Paradox

Australia has incredible sunlight, yet vitamin D deficiency remains widespread.
Low vitamin D impacts:

  • immune function

  • inflammation

  • mood

  • hormonal balance

  • energy levels

  • bone health

Why it’s missed:
GP blood tests often use reference ranges that are too broad. Functional testing looks at optimal ranges, not “just enough to avoid disease.”



2. Magnesium — The Stress Buffer We Burn Through Quickly

Magnesium deficiency is a national epidemic.
High stress, alcohol, coffee, processed food and poor sleep drain magnesium daily.

Symptoms include:

  • tight muscles

  • headaches

  • anxiety

  • poor sleep

  • constipation

  • blood sugar instability

We routinely see low intracellular magnesium on functional tests even when blood tests appear “normal.”



3. B Vitamins — Especially B12, B9 (Folate) & B6

This is critical for:

  • methylation

  • mood & neurotransmitters

  • detoxification

  • energy production

  • pregnancy planning

Low B-vitamins contribute to high homocysteine — one of the strongest indicators of accelerated ageing.



4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids — The Anti-Inflammation Powerhouse

Omega-3:6 ratios are one of the strongest predictors of:

  • cardiovascular health

  • inflammation

  • mood disorders

  • cognitive decline

We see >80% of clients deficient.



5. Choline — The Forgotten Nutrient

Essential for:

  • brain health

  • liver detox

  • methylation

  • pregnancy

  • lipid metabolism

Not enough Australians eat eggs, liver or choline-rich plants.



Testing Is Better Than Guessing

At Wellbeing George, we use:

  • micronutrient panels

  • methylation analysis

  • inflammation markers

  • organic acid testing

  • homocysteine

  • omega-3 index

…to give an exact map of what your body needs.



View our Functional Tests



If you’ve been feeling “off” without answers, nutrient deficiency is often the missing piece. Functional testing gives you clarity — and clarity leads to action.

Previous
Previous

How to Build a Daily Longevity Routine That Actually Works

Next
Next

Stop Guessing: How Functional Medicine Health Tests Can Transform Your Wellbeing