19/01/2026
I’m increasingly angry about the number of families I’m seeing who have forked out hundreds of pounds for bogus intolerance and stool testing.
Not because testing is bad.
But because much of what’s being sold right now is not clinically indicated, not evidence-based, and not helping families.
What concerns me most is this:
Some professionals are recommending these tests because
• they earn commission
• their entire clinical pathway depends on the test
• or they don’t actually know what to do without it
Parents are paying hundreds of pounds.
Children are labelled with “imbalances” that don’t explain their symptoms.
And the real work is delayed.
As a paediatric dietitian, and as a parent, I find this unacceptable.
If I had been put through this as a child with IBS, I would be outraged.
Children deserve thoughtful clinical reasoning, not fishing expeditions.
Families deserve clarity, not fear-based reports.
So let’s ask the uncomfortable question:
Why are we being pulled towards bogus intolerance and microbiome testing?
Because it’s marketed brilliantly.
Because fear sells.
Because the algorithm feeds us what sounds complex and authoritative.
And because, while it may not be rocket science, it is gut science 🧬.
And that uncertainty is being exploited.
🙌🏽 We need to say no to unethical marketing.
❌ No to unnecessary testing.
🙌🏽 And yes to skilled assessment, evidence, and doing the basics well.
This is me speaking up for kids with tummy troubles.
No to 🐂💩 testing.
