Personalised Nutrition & Advanced Testing
Evidence-informed testing options to support a more personalised approach to nutrition and health with the expertise and training from a registered dietitian.
One of the benefits of working with an experienced Registered Dietitian is that a great deal can often be learned from a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, dietary intake, lifestyle and existing test results. This clinical detective work frequently provides the information needed to create a targeted and effective nutrition plan without the need for additional testing.
For many clients, a thorough nutritional assessment provides all the information needed to make meaningful progress towards their health goals. For those who would like a more personalised or data-driven approach, advanced testing options are available.
These tests are never a requirement and are not routinely recommended. Instead, they are considered thoughtfully and selectively when they are likely to provide meaningful information that may help refine recommendations and support your individual health goals.
My aim is never to recommend testing unnecessarily, but rather to ensure that any investigations undertaken are relevant, evidence-informed and genuinely useful. Any testing is always discussed on an individual basis and is intended to complement, not replace, standard medical care and investigations.
Gut Microbiome Testing
I offer gut microbiome testing through Microba, which uses advanced metagenomic sequencing technology to analyse the microorganisms present within the gut.
The gut microbiome plays an important role in digestion, metabolism and immune function. Microbiome testing can provide information about microbial diversity, the relative abundance of different bacterial species and microbial functions within the gut ecosystem.
For individuals experiencing digestive symptoms such as bloating, altered bowel habits, abdominal discomfort or food intolerances, microbiome testing may provide additional information that can help guide personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations. It can be particularly valuable when exploring ongoing digestive concerns, investigating factors that may be influencing gut health, or supporting individuals who wish to take a more proactive and personalised approach to their wellbeing.
Microbiome testing is not intended to diagnose medical conditions and results will always be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history and other clinical findings.
SIBO Breath Testing
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when excessive bacterial fermentation takes place within the small intestine and may be associated with symptoms such as bloating, excessive gas, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, constipation and food intolerances.
Breath testing measures hydrogen and methane gases produced following the ingestion of a test substrate. Where clinically appropriate, this information may help identify whether SIBO could be contributing to digestive symptoms and may help inform dietary and lifestyle strategies as part of a wider management plan.
As with all testing, results are considered alongside your clinical history, symptoms and other relevant findings rather than in isolation.
Nutrigenomic Testing
I offer nutrigenomic testing through LifeCode Gx. Nutrigenomics explores genetic variations that may influence how individuals process certain nutrients and respond to dietary and lifestyle factors.
These reports can provide insights into areas such as nutrient metabolism, methylation pathways, detoxification processes, cardiovascular health and inflammation-related pathways. Understanding these genetic tendencies can help support a more personalised approach to nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.
Genetic results do not determine future health outcomes and should not be viewed as diagnostic. Rather, they can provide useful information about your unique biology and help guide decisions around nutrition, lifestyle and long-term health optimisation.
Organic Acids Testing
In selected cases, Organic Acids Testing (OAT) may be considered. This urine-based test measures a range of metabolic compounds that can provide information about aspects of nutrient metabolism, energy production, neurotransmitter metabolism and other biochemical processes.
Where appropriate, these findings may contribute to a broader understanding of an individual's health picture and help guide more personalised nutrition recommendations. Results are always interpreted within the context of your symptoms, health history and wider clinical assessment.
Other Advanced Testing
Depending on your symptoms, goals and clinical history, other advanced nutritional tests may also be available. Recommendations are always made carefully and only when there is a clear rationale for testing.
My priority is always to provide practical, evidence-informed and personalised care. Whether we use advanced testing or rely solely on a detailed clinical assessment, the goal remains the same: to understand the factors influencing your health and develop a nutrition plan that is tailored to your needs.
If you would like to learn more about any of the testing options available, please get in touch. I would be happy to discuss your symptoms, answer any questions and help you decide whether additional testing is likely to add value to your care.
The most important thing is that you feel better!