The gut microbiome is a burgeoning area of science and nutrition. Faecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) in particular is emerging as a groundbreaking treatment for various gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. Gut health dietitians play a pivotal role in the success of FMT, offering personalised dietary guidance and comprehensive support to optimise long-term health outcomes.

What is Faecal Microbiome Transplantation (FMT)?

Faecal microbiome transplantation involves the transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient. This procedure aims to restore a balanced microbiome, which can be disrupted due to conditions such as Clostridium Difficile infection, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and  inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

How Can Dietitians Support FMT?

Gut health dietitians are uniquely positioned to support someone undergoing FMT. For many pursuing FMT, they arrive at the decision to pursue it as a result of battling debilitating symptoms and a restricted diet for years. An experienced, trauma-informed gut health dietitian can assist in gently broadening your diet for long-term success. Your past experiences, pre-existing medical conditions, food intolerances and long-term goals will be considered at each stage of the process.

1. Pre-Transplant: the dietitian will conduct a thorough clinical and dietetic assessment. This helps identify any existing nutritional deficiencies or imbalances that may affect the success of the FMT. Together, you will work towards cultivating a gut environment conducive to a healthy microbiome. This can include a fibre-rich diet, supplement trials and self-management strategies.
2. Post-Transplant: after FMT, your dietitian will guide you through any symptoms you’re experiencing and will work with your treating gastroenterologist. Your dietary intake will be continuously monitored and adjusted to optimise your gut health, as well as minimise any gut discomfort.
3. Long-term Gut Health Maintenance: this will include broadening your diet for nutritional adequacy, supporting microbial diversity and maintaining a healthy microbiome. You will work with your dietitian to improve your health literacy and relationship with food to maintain a sustainable, healthy gut.

Nadia was previously the primary FMT dietitian at the Centre for Digestive Diseases, Sydney. She is one of only a handful of dietitians worldwide with FMT expertise, having trained and worked at a leading medical institution for faecal microbiome transplants. Nadia can assist if you’re seeking an FMT or gut health dietitian in Sydney’s North Shore- contact us today to find out how she can best support you.

References

Clancy, A.K., Gunaratne, A.W. and Borody, T.J. (2021). Dietary Management for Faecal Microbiota Transplant: An International Survey of Clinical and Research Practice, Knowledge and Attitudes. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.653653.

Rinninella, E., Tohumcu, E., Raoul, P., Fiorani, M., Cintoni, M., Mele, M.C., Cammarota, G., Gasbarrini, A. and Ianiro, G. (2023). The role of diet in shaping human gut microbiota. Best Practice & Research Clinical Gastroenterology, 62-63, p.101828. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101828.