A joint research team from the University of Alberta and the University of Ottawa is conducting clinical trials to validate an innovative tool designed to analyze the gut microbiome and deliver personalized diets that help restore balance and improve health. While the primary focus is on supporting individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), early results show that the tool may also benefit those suffering from other inflammatory conditions as well as people with normal digestion who are seeking to optimize their gut health.

Participants in the clinical trial provide gut microbiome samples, which are then meticulously analyzed by exposing the microbes to a variety of carbohydrates to observe their growth and behavior. The data from these experiments feed into a sophisticated AI algorithm that generates a detailed nutrient profile, offering tailored recommendations on which foods to include and which to avoid for optimal health outcomes. Heather Armstrong, the principal investigator and associate professor of gastroenterology at the University of Alberta, who also holds adjunct positions in pediatrics and internal medicine at the University of Manitoba, describes the results as quite incredible from an IBD point of view. She explains that the dietary adjustments, though subtle, have already led to measurable increases in remission rates among participants. The process is designed to be highly individualized, recognizing that each person’s gut microbiome is unique and responds differently to dietary inputs. By fine-tuning what patients eat based on precise microbiome feedback, the tool helps guide the gut toward a healthier, more balanced state.

Armstrong emphasizes that even minor modifications in diet can trigger significant changes in microbial composition and activity. Participants are able to see tangible improvements in inflammation and digestive function without drastic lifestyle overhauls. The AI’s recommendations are dynamic, adjusting as the microbiome shifts over time, ensuring the diet evolves alongside the individual’s gut health. This personalized approach stands in contrast to generalized diet plans, offering a level of specificity that traditional nutritional advice cannot match. The intervention has shown benefits not only for those with IBD but also for individuals with other inflammatory conditions, highlighting the broader potential of microbiome-targeted nutrition. Early adopters report improvements in energy levels, digestion, and overall well-being, suggesting that the approach has far-reaching implications for preventive health.

Armstrong notes that the process of rewiring the microbiome can occur in just a few weeks, underscoring the remarkable adaptability of gut microbes. The combination of laboratory analysis, AI-driven insights, and practical dietary guidance represents a novel intersection of technology and medicine. Each participant receives a personalized plan that is easy to follow, yet grounded in rigorous scientific data. The team continues to monitor participants closely, assessing both microbiome changes and clinical outcomes to refine the tool further. This research exemplifies the promise of precision medicine, where interventions are tailored to the individual rather than applied uniformly. By targeting the gut microbiome directly the approach addresses root causes of inflammation rather than merely treating symptoms. Armstrong believes that this model could pave the way for new standards in nutritional therapy, particularly for chronic inflammatory diseases. Ultimately, the study highlights the potential of combining microbiome science with AI to deliver actionable personalized health strategies that are both effective and sustainable over time.

Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/en/news/news-releases-and-statements/news-releases/2025/sept/new-gut-microbiome-test-may-provide-key-for-health-boosting-personalized-diets.html