Functional testing offers nutrition professionals a unique window into complex issues such as gutmicrobiome imbalance, hormone disruption, chronic fatigue, and digestive dysregulation. Yet the landscape is evolving rapidly—tests like GI-MAP (stool microbiome assay) and DUTCH Test (dried urine hormone/metabolite panel) arrive in practice with both promise and limitations.

In this session, we will demystify what these tests measure, explore their clinical relevance for RDNs, examine when and how to refer or collaborate, and focus on how to use lab-informed data ethically and within your scope to translate actionable nutrition interventions.

You will leave feeling capable — not cautious to the point of paralysis — equipped to navigate the enthusiasm and the critical thinking required for smart, collaborative functional lab application.

Upon successful completion of this one-hour course, the participant should be able to:

• Describe the biomarkers, methodology, and purpose of functional lab tests such as GI-MAP and DUTCH, including what is measured (e.g., DNA of gut microbes, hormone metabolites) and what that may indicate in a clinical nutrition context.



• Differentiate between the legitimate clinical applications and the limitations (e.g., lack of universal “healthy” microbiome standard, independent validation gaps, dynamic hormone patterns) of functional testing in the context of gut/hormone assessments.



• Recognize when to refer or collaborate with other healthcare providers (MDs, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, lab-certifi ed practitioners) based on red fl ags, scope-of-practice boundaries, and ethical considerations.



• Implement frameworks for interpreting functional test data through a nutrition lens (rather than a diagnostic lens), and translate fi ndings into personalized dietary, lifestyle and behavior-change interventions (e.g., fiber/fermented foods for microbiome support, meal timing or adaptogens for hormone-related stress) while staying within scope.



• Apply critical thinking, ethical practice, and evidence-informed caution when explaining test results, setting client expectations, and designing nutrition care plans — safeguarding clients from unnecessary cost or confusion and reinforcing the RDN’s role as trusted nutrition authority.

Live Webinar Date: Dec 16, 2025   (04:00 PM - 05:00 PM Eastern Time) (US and Canada)

Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 5.1.2, 10.6.2, 11.3.4, 11.2.9

Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals

Number of Credits: 1.0

Level(s): 1, 2

Total Cost: 1 Site Credit