A groundbreaking technique, developed by an international research team led by the Medical University of Graz, promises to transform nutritional science. Known as MEDI (Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake), this innovative method uses DNA fragments found in stool samples to decode dietary habits without relying on traditional—and often inaccurate—questionnaires or food diaries. By identifying traces of food-derived DNA, MEDI offers a precise and objective approach to understanding what individuals consume, opening new avenues for personalized nutrition and health research.

The development of MEDI marks a significant advancement in metagenomic sequencing, a technology previously utilized primarily for studying gut microorganisms. Researchers at the Medical University of Graz collaborated with colleagues from the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle to pioneer this method. The process involves analyzing stool samples to detect DNA remnants from consumed foods, providing a comprehensive profile of dietary intake. This approach bypasses the limitations of self-reported data, which can be unreliable due to memory lapses or unintentional inaccuracies.

MEDI's ability to detect over 400 different types of food using a vast DNA database has been validated through extensive testing on both children and adults. The method has demonstrated remarkable precision, identifying food DNA in more than 99% of cases, even when it constitutes less than 0.0001% of the total DNA in a sample. According to Christian Diener, lead author of the study and researcher at the Med Uni Graz Diagnostic and Research Institute, this level of accuracy is unprecedented. "MEDI provides an objective alternative that aligns impressively with known nutritional data," he explains.

Beyond identifying specific foods, MEDI converts detected DNA into detailed nutrient profiles, reflecting the intake of proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. In a study involving over 500 participants, MEDI successfully identified foods and nutrients linked to increased metabolic syndrome risk, all without the need for dietary questionnaires. Co-author Sean Gibbons from the Institute for Systems Biology emphasizes the potential of this method: "This approach gives us new insights into individual reactions to food and potential health risks."

The implications of MEDI extend beyond nutritional assessment. Researchers envision its use in clinical and epidemiological studies to personalize dietary recommendations, enhance dietary interventions, and better understand the impact of diet on gut health. The simultaneous detection of microbes and food in stool samples could also help identify foods that promote gut infections or assist in developing personalized plans to restore gut flora after antibiotic treatment. As Christian Diener predicts, "This method could revolutionize how we approach personalized nutrition and gut health."

MEDI represents a significant leap forward in nutritional science, offering a reliable and efficient way to assess dietary habits and their health impacts. By eliminating the need for cumbersome documentation, this novel technique paves the way for more accurate and personalized dietary guidance, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.