7/23/24 - Is Microbiome testing a s**t 💩show?; Meet Moderator Giovanna Rosario-Arroyo; Question in Build Up DIABETES Group; 4 Things You Don't Want to Miss

Nutrition News You Can Use

Q: Is there validity to having stool tested?

Yes, for things like bowel cancer, fat malabsorption, parasites, inflammatory bowel disease…but this type of testing is not DIY/DTC (direct-to-consumer).

Q: What about stool samples for microbiome or “gut health” that are DIY or DTC (direct to consumer) that dietitians or wellness coaches may attempt to sell or refer to as a way of recommending a specific diet or supplements?

meh, not so much…the science just isn’t there yet.

(Thanks dietitian Danielle Shine for sending this article from March 15, 2024 in SCIENCE The DTC microbiome testing industry needs more regulation | Science)

“..Although many of these companies state that their tests are not “diagnostic,” many of their marketing claims imply, and may lead consumers to believe, that the results are grounded in scientific accuracy and are medically relevant when that has not been substantiated….Consumers may also in-correctly believe that these products are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when they straddle the line between regulated medical devices (if making diagnostic claims) and virtually unregulated health and wellness products…The lack of regulation of these tests may put consumers at risk of harm when they rely on inaccurate test results and clinically unproven nutritional or food supplement recommendations. These harms may include self-misdiagnosis, delay in seeking medical treatment, and substituting nonmedical supplements for prescription medications. Many individuals who seek out these tests have serious chronic illnesses and are desperate to try anything that may mitigate their pain and suffering. Because these tests are largely unregulated, they are not subject to adverse event reporting, but there are reported cases from gastroenterologists about harms…”

This topic has come up previously see:

(1) Build Up Catch Up - 5/26/23 (substack.com)

Bottom Line (also from SCIENCE) - “…claims of having the ability to detect “abnormal” microbiomes are not substantiated by research; the testing processes lack analytical validity, and the results have no demonstrated clinical validity. As a result, consumers may be financially exploited or harmed by inappropriate use of test results that neither they nor their doctors understand…”

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❓Question in Build Up Dietitians DIABETES Group

Responses:

Jody R. (and several others) “Coffee”

Bethany K. “100% fruit juice and smoothies”

Anna H. “Milk”

Jessica C. “Oat milk and sugar-free desserts”

Tracy A. “Anything with the term Keto or that has low “net carb” claims”

💡Spotlight: 2️⃣Questions for Giovanna Rosario-Arroyo, RD

Giovanna Rosario-Arroyo, RD

Giovanna Rosario-Arroyo moderates Build Up Dietitians Book & Podcast Club

Connect with Giovanna on LinkedIn HERE

Question #1: What made you want to become a dietitian?

“A profession that joins food and science. What's there not to love?! “

Question #2:  Why would you encourage dietitians to join one or more of our Build Up Dietitians groups? 

“The best part about joining any of the groups is the constant exchange of information and support from peers.”

4️⃣Things You Don’t Want to Miss

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