Close-up of a pipette adding a drop of liquid to test tubes in a laboratory setting.

Your blood tests might be “normal”.

That doesn’t mean they’re optimal.

Functional and Nutrigenomic Testing

NHS reference ranges are designed to flag disease, they're wide, population-based, and built to catch the most serious problems. They were never designed to tell you whether your body is working well.

Functional testing looks at many of the same markers, plus others the NHS doesn't routinely test, through a much narrower, optimal-health lens.

For people who've been told everything is "fine" but don't feel fine, this is often where real answers start.

A scientist's perspective

Before training as a nutritional therapist, I spent years in research, as scientist at GSK and for my doctorate looking into how cells respond to cancer causing agents, working with lab data daily. That background shapes how I use testing now: I see it as a powerful tool for building a more precise, personalised picture, not a magic diagnostic box, and not something everyone needs.

Good nutritional therapy can absolutely work without any testing at all, built on history, symptoms and pattern recognition. But where there's complexity, where progress has stalled, or where a client wants to understand the "why" behind their plan, testing can shorten the road considerably.

It means we're not guessing.

Gut Health Sample Report

Nutrient Status Sample Report

A Sample DNA Report

A few of the functional tests I work with

Gut health

GI-MAP (GI Microbial Assay Plus)

A DNA-based stool test that looks at your gut microbiome, pathogens, parasites, digestive function and gut inflammation markers.

Gut Health Sample Report

Thyroid health

Full thyroid panel

TSH, Free T3, Free T4, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies. For when "normal" results don't match how you feel.

Hormones

DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones)

A detailed picture of sex hormones, adrenal hormones (cortisol pattern) and how your body is metabolising them.

Energy & metabolism

Organic Acids Test (OAT)

A urine test looking at energy production, yeast overgrowth and neurotransmitter pathways — useful for unexplained fatigue.

Nutrients & metabolism

NutrEval

A comprehensive nutritional and metabolic panel. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, oxidative stress and antioxidant status.

Food & sensitivities

Food sensitivity & intolerance testing

An honest look at what these tests can (and can't) tell you — and what I recommend instead.

Genetics

Nutrigenomic testing

A one-off DNA test looking at genetic variants that influence how you process nutrients, detoxify, and respond to diet and lifestyle.

Hormonal Symptoms

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PMS or PMDD
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Irregular, heavy, or painful periods
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Perimenopause or menopause symptoms
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Hot flushes and night sweats
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Low libido
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Mood changes linked to the cycle
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Fertility challenges
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Low Energy & Fatigue

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Persistent tiredness
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Afternoon energy crashes
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Feeling “wired but tired”
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Burnout and overwhelm
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Difficulty waking or unrefreshing sleep
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Digestive Concerns

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Bloating
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Constipation or diarrhoea
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IBS symptoms
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Acid reflux
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Nausea or indigestion
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Excessive gas
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Suspected food intolerances
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Ongoing digestive discomfort
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Gut & Immune Issues

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Frequent or recurring infections
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Skin issues such as acne, eczema or psoriasis

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Autoimmune conditions
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Low immune resilience
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Chronic inflammation
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Mood & Cognitive Symptoms

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Anxiety or low mood
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Brain fog
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Irritability
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Difficulty concentrating
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Memory issues
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Feeling mentally “sluggish”
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Weight & Metabolic Challenges

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Difficulty losing weight
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Unexplained weight gain
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Blood sugar swings
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Sugar cravings
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Issues with fullness or appetite regulation

Thyroid-Related Symptoms

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Hair thinning or loss
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Dry skin
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Sensitivity to cold
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Slow metabolism
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Mood changes
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Fatigue despite normal test results
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Skin & Inflammatory Symptoms

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Acne, eczema, or rosacea
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Hives or rashes
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Joint pain
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Muscle aches
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Migraines or recurring headaches
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Sleep Difficulties

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Trouble falling or staying asleep
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Restless or broken sleep
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Early morning waking
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Feeling unrefreshed despite enough hours

Nutrient Imbalances

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Low iron, B12 or vitamin D
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Immune weakness
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Cravings
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Muscle weakness
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Tingling or numbness
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Detoxification Issues

Sensitivity to alcohol, caffeine or medications

Headaches triggered by smells or products

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Fatigue linked to toxin exposure
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Difficulty tolerating perfumes, cleaning products or pollution