Are We Ready? Dietary Recommendations Based on Direct-to-Consumer Gut Microbiome Tests

Achieving health goals is dependent upon the provision of evidence-based dietary recommendations. As the popularity of direct-to-consumer gut microbiome tests expands, it is important to understand the predictive value of these tests and promise for improving health of the users. Speakers in this session will review the state of the science related to gut microbiome research, its promise for producing individualized dietary recommendations, and what yet needs to be known. By sharing researcher, clinical, and nutrition practitioner perspectives, this session will bring clarity to the current translatability of gut microbiome science and value of direct-to-consumer gut microbiome tests for supporting health, as well as the future promise of gut microbiome science and related consumer-directed tools.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.5

Performance Indicators

• 6.2.3 Analyzes and interprets data to form valid conclusions and to make recommendations.
• 8.2.3 Analyzes new information and how it impacts medical nutrition therapy.
• 8.4.2 Critically evaluates the credibility of integrative and functional medicine research and literature, using evidence-based criteria, to respond to inquiries and to determine the appropriateness of incorporating these interventions into nutrition care plans.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the current state of gut microbiome science in terms of what we understand today, and readiness for translation to dietary recommendations.
• Define the various types of analyses that are utilized by direct-to-consumer tests, as well as the validity and reproducibility of the methods, and what is needed for further advancement.
• Address patient and client questions about the potential value of direct-to-consumer gut microbiome tests and the results they provide with respect to impacting health.

Moderator

• J. Philip Karl, PhD RD

Speakers

• Levi Teigen, PhD, RD
• Purna C. Kashyap, MBBS
• Diane E. Hoffmann, JD, MS