Dietary Specialists

11/05/2026

Our dietitians at Dietary specialists are highly experienced in the dietary management of gastroparesis, if you or someone you know needs some help book via our website https://www.dietaryspecialists.co.nz/

07/04/2026

At Dietary Specialists, we couldn’t agree more with this.

Getting the basics right is a powerful first step in improving your health. Our team of experienced dietitians focuses on practical, evidence-based nutrition to support you—whatever your situation.

We work with people managing IBS, food intolerances, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, endometriosis, PCOS, diverticular disease, reflux, perimenopause and menopause, as well as neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Strong foundations matter. When you get those right, everything else becomes easier.

Don’t let elite nutrition research distract from everday nutrition evidence.

A lot of nutrition science is designed to optimise performance, recovery, body composition... it's about marginal gains for the elite athlete. That work is valuable...

But it’s not the same as the evidence base for what humans need to live well, stay well, and age well in everyday life.

We have decades of strong, consistent evidence showing that health outcomes are shaped by the fundamentals:
• adequate energy intake
• dietary diversity and bioactive compounds
• sufficient protein and fibre
• essential vitamins and minerals

These are not “basic” in the sense of being unimportant; they are basic as in foundational.

Optimisation research operates on top of adequacy. It assumes the basics are already met. But in the real world, that assumption doesn’t always hold.

People are stressing about whether or not they need collagen or creatine supplements, when they aren't eating close to the recommendation for vegetables. We are adding protein to everything and ignoring the needs we have for bioactives or fibre.

The biggest impacts on population health don’t come from perfecting the top 5%, they come from supporting the 95% of everyday nutrition that underpins living and ageing well. Don't skip that step.

19/03/2026

If you or someone you know has hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome you might like to take part in the following study

Another awesome research opportunity for those with hEDS / HSD!

We are conducting a study at the University of Auckland investigating the relationship between dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overall symptom presentation in people diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) / hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD).

People with hEDS/HSD commonly experience gastrointestinal symptoms and face challenges with dietary intake, which can impact overall health and wellbeing.

The aim of this research is to identify relationships between diet and symptom presentation and severity. This will inform further research and enable the development of national and international nutrition care guidelines for people with hEDS/HSD.

Those who complete the study will be provided with a $40 voucher as thank you for sharing your time and experiences.

If you are interested in taking part in our research, please fill out the expression of interest form by following the link below. https://redcap.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/surveys/?s=39AYFA9RC8HY4YMT

Please note that completion of this form does not guarantee your enrolment in the study, as you must meet our eligibility criteria. To be eligible you must be:

o Aged over 16 years old

o Diagnosed with hEDS/HSD by a healthcare professional

o Not pregnant or breastfeeding

o Not relying on artificial nutrition for ALL nutritional needs. This includes enteral feeding through a tube such as nasogastric (NG) tube, PEG tube, nasojejunal (NJ) tube, or parenteral nutrition (TPN). You would still be eligible if you use artificial nutrition combined with oral intake of food / supplements.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

Thank you,

Aeson Chappell, Student Dietitian / Researcher. mcha769@aucklanduni.ac.nz

Dr Nicola Gilles, Lead Researcher. n.gillies@auckland.ac.nz

13/03/2026

Thank you to Greer Pugh (PhD researcher at the University of Auckland) and Manaaki Manawa – Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, for inviting our dietitian Leigh O'Brien to speak at New Zealand’s first POTS Awareness Day Symposium.

Alongside Nicola Gilles, Nutrition Researcher at the University of Auckland, Leigh presented the results of a recent survey of people in New Zealand living with hEDS and POTS, and discussed the nutritional management of POTS.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can cause symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and difficulty tolerating standing. Nutrition and fluid management can play an important role in helping to manage symptoms and support daily functioning.

It was a privilege to contribute to such an important event and to see growing awareness and research in this area.

26/02/2026

At Dietary Specialists we couldn't agree more with this post to celebrate Gut Health Month

25/02/2026

Cottage cheese is trending on TikTok for being “high protein”… but how does it actually compare? 🥣
Let’s compare per typical serving:
🥣 Cottage cheese (1 cup) → 20–28g protein
🥄 Greek yogurt (1 cup, plain) → 17–23g protein
🥚 Eggs (2 large) → 12–13g protein
🍦 Regular yogurt (1 cup) → 8–10g protein
Yes — cottage cheese is high in protein.
But it’s not the only option. And it’s not “better” than everything else.
Each of these foods offers different benefits:
✔ Protein for muscle repair & satiety
✔ Calcium for bone health
✔ Probiotics (in yogurt) for gut health
✔ Healthy fats & choline (in eggs)
The most important question isn’t “Which one has the most protein?”
It’s: Which one do you enjoy and can eat consistently?
Nutrition isn’t about chasing trends.
It’s about balance, variety, and what works for your body.
More protein isn’t always better.
And one food doesn’t make or break your health.
Remember:
✨ Aim for a quality protein source at most meals
✨ Variety supports a broader nutrient intake
✨ Consistency matters more than perfection

05/02/2026

**Supplements in 2026: Helpful… or Harmful?**

Over-the-counter supplements are booming, with vitamin and mineral sales increasing year on year. Between personalised tests, online advice and “wellness stacks,” it can feel like taking more supplements automatically leads to better health.
But that’s not always the case.

🧩 Personalised supplements
Targeted supplements *can* be helpful when a true deficiency is identified (such as iron, vitamin B12 or vitamin D).
However, not all tests accurately reflect what your body actually needs, and supplements are often started without professional guidance.

✨ Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone health and is commonly needed during winter.
But taking high doses long-term without monitoring can increase the risk of toxicity—especially for people with kidney disease or other health conditions.

💊 Multivitamins
Multivitamins may support people with restricted diets or absorption issues.
They are not proven to prevent chronic disease in people who are already well nourished and should not replace a balanced diet.

🧠 Magnesium
Often marketed for stress, sleep and muscle health.
It can be helpful in certain situations, depending on the type and dose—but it isn’t a cure-all.

🛡 Zinc
Supports immune function and may slightly shorten colds if used short-term.
Long-term high doses can:
• Interfere with copper absorption
• Cause anaemia or nerve issues
• Lead to stomach upset

⚠️ Vitamin B6: a hidden risk
Vitamin B6 toxicity is now being seen more often.
It’s commonly found in:
• Multivitamins
• Magnesium blends
• Stress and energy supplements

Using multiple products together can push B6 intake too high, leading to:
• Tingling or numbness
• Balance problems
• Nerve damage

🔍 Key message
“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe.
More supplements aren’t better—the right ones, at the right dose, are what matter. But it is also good to remember that most people can meet their nutrient needs through a well-balanced diet without relying on supplements.

—
**Dietary Specialists**
Evidence-based nutrition support, tailored to you

05/02/2026

We totally agree with this post from Dr Megan Rossi

31/01/2026

We love these delicious snack ideas put together by the Dietitians New Zealand team

29/01/2026

🌸 Perimenopause & Menopause: How Nutrition and Lifestyle Can Help 🌸

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect weight, heart health, bones, sleep, mood, and energy.
The good news? Nutrition and lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference.

✨ Key nutrition & lifestyle tips:

🔹 Weight & metabolism: Declining oestrogen can slow metabolism and increase insulin resistance. Small, sustainable changes matter — even a 5 kg weight loss can significantly reduce hot flush severity.

🔹 Protein matters: Aim for regular protein across the day (around 20–30 g per meal) to help preserve muscle mass and support metabolic health.

🔹 Carbohydrate quality: Focus on high-fibre, minimally processed carbohydrates, and reduce refined carbs, sugary drinks, and alcohol.

🔹 Heart health: Support cholesterol and blood pressure with a Mediterranean-style eating pattern — vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, legumes, olive oil, and oily fish 2–3 times per week.

🔹 Bone health: After menopause, calcium and vitamin D needs increase. Include calcium-rich foods daily and consider vitamin D supplementation during winter or with limited sun exposure.

🔹 Hot flushes & sleep: Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can be triggers. Reducing intake may improve symptoms and sleep quality.

🌿 Take-home message:
A holistic approach — combining nourishing food, movement, sleep, and stress management — can reduce symptom severity and protect long-term health during this transition.

💡 Individual needs vary. Working with a dietitian can help tailor strategies to support your body through perimenopause and menopause.

05/01/2026

Happy 2026 everyone. Loving this post from Dietitians New Zealand