Children's Wellness and Nutritional Support
Parents rarely arrive with a medical question. They arrive with a nutritional one: is my child actually absorbing what they need, and how would we know? That is a question testing can answer.
How this works alongside your pediatrician
This is not a replacement for your child's pediatrician, and it is not urgent or acute care.
Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic and Chiropractic Physician, not a paediatrician. What she offers families is a different lens: nutritional assessment through laboratory testing, and a plan built around what those results show. Children stay under the care of their regular doctor, and anything that needs medical attention goes to them.
Parents usually come here after the medical side has been covered and the question that remains is nutritional.
What parents usually ask about
A child who seems to catch everything going around
Low energy or difficulty keeping up through the school day
Fussy eating and worry about what is actually being absorbed
Digestive complaints that come and go
Skin concerns with no obvious trigger
Sleep that is difficult to settle
Questions about whether supplements are needed, and which ones
The common thread is wanting to know rather than guess. As Dr. Jones puts it, "I won't guess about your health." That applies to children as much as to adults.
What testing can show
Which tests apply depends entirely on the child, their age and what the concern is. Testing is only used where it will change the plan.
Comprehensive blood panel. Vitamin and mineral levels, thyroid activity, blood sugar and immune markers. The most direct way to see whether a deficiency is present.
Hair analysis. Mineral imbalances and heavy metal exposure, from a small sample and no needles.
Stool testing. Where digestion is the concern: parasites, yeast, bacteria, enzyme counts, inflammation and food allergies.
See the full range of diagnostic testing for detail on each, or read how virtual consultations work if you are outside the Columbus area.
Why "normal" results may not mean optimal
Most lab reports compare results against a "normal range." Falling inside it is usually reported as normal, which is easily confused with being where you want to be.
Normal ranges are calculated by each individual laboratory, not a central agency, using roughly 100 to 200 people who had testing done recently. Most of those people were being tested precisely because they already had a health concern. Their results are averaged, and the range extends two standard deviations either side.
A result inside that range means only that the level is not as low as the group used to build it. For a growing child, the distinction between adequate and optimal is worth understanding.
What happens after testing
Dr. Jones prepares a personalized report with every result, an explanation of what each one means, and a plan covering the nutrients, dietary changes and, where appropriate, supplement recommendations with dosages matched to age and weight. It is built through the Science Based Nutrition program.
Retesting later shows change side by side against the original results, so progress is measured rather than assumed. A health coach works alongside the family, and Healthie provides messaging access between appointments.
A parent's experience
Dr. Jones and her staff are amazing. They all have made quite a difference in our overall health. My kids were battling illness after illness and finding out where they were deficient and getting the right supplements accordingly has made such a difference. Kate C.
Shared with permission and published on the practice website. Individual experiences vary, and results are not guaranteed.
Where this connects
Gut health and digestive support. Absorption is where most nutritional questions in children begin.
Heavy metal and toxin testing. Hair analysis covers mineral balance and environmental exposure together.
Functional medicine. For families who want the same approach applied to the adults as well.
About Dr. Kathleen Jones
Dr. Kathleen Jones is a Naturopathic and Chiropractic Physician and the founder of Elements of Health. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic from Life University and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, and earned her Naturopathic Degree through the Central State College of Naturopathy. She has taught at the Ohio State University School of Medicine and School of Nursing, and currently serves as president of the Ohio State Naturopathic Association. More about Dr. Jones and her approach.
Getting started
Book a consultation. Virtual and phone appointments, scheduled in advance. Parents attend with their child.
Testing where it applies. Functional lab testing is completed at home or through local labs.
Review the results together. With a written plan you keep and can share with your paediatrician.
Measure the change. Retesting compares progress against the original results.
Have questions about your child's nutrition? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kathleen Jones.
Elements of Health is a naturopathic and holistic practice based in Columbus, Ohio. Consultations are virtual or by phone, available anywhere in the United States.
Wondering what this costs before you book? See published pricing for consultations and testing.
The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This service does not replace paediatric medical care. Always consult your child's physician about medical concerns.
Is this a replacement for our paediatrician?
No. Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic and Chiropractic Physician, not a paediatrician. Children remain under the care of their regular doctor, and anything requiring medical attention goes to them. This work focuses on nutritional assessment and support.
What age children do you work with?
It depends on the concern and on which testing is appropriate. The best first step is a consultation, where Dr. Jones can say whether this is the right fit for your child or whether it belongs with your paediatrician.
Does my child need a blood draw?
Not necessarily. Hair analysis needs only a small sample and no needles, and covers mineral balance and heavy metal exposure. A blood panel is used where it will meaningfully change the plan, and that is discussed with you first.
Will you recommend supplements?
Only where testing indicates it, with dosages matched to age and weight. The aim is to identify what is actually missing rather than adding products by default.
Our results came back normal but the problem continues. What now?
Normal ranges are built from people who were already being tested for a health concern, so a normal result means the level is not as low as that group. For a growing child, adequate and optimal are not the same thing, and that gap is often where the answer sits.
Do we have to travel to Columbus?
No. Consultations are virtual or by phone, and functional lab testing is completed at home or through local labs.
Can you help with a specific diagnosed condition?
Diagnosed conditions are managed by your child's physician. What Dr. Jones can contribute is the nutritional picture alongside that care. The consultation is the place to discuss whether that is useful in your situation.