A revolutionary method developed by Med Uni Graz, in collaboration with international researchers, is changing how dietary habits are analyzed. Called MEDI (Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake), this technique deciphers food consumption patterns using DNA fragments found in stool samples—eliminating the need for traditional questionnaires or food diaries, which often lead to inaccuracies.
A More Precise Way to Analyze Diets
MEDI is built on metagenomic sequencing, a technique previously used to study gut microbiota. Researchers from the Medical University of Graz and the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle developed the method to detect food-derived DNA in stool samples. This approach provides a detailed and objective record of the foods and nutrients consumed.
“For decades, dietary research has relied on self-reported data, which depends on memory and accuracy,” explains Christian Diener, lead author of the study and researcher at Med Uni Graz. “People often struggle to recall exactly what they ate or the precise amounts. MEDI removes this uncertainty by detecting DNA traces of food in stool samples—with results that align impressively with known nutritional data.”
Detecting Over 400 Foods with DNA Sequencing
MEDI can identify more than 400 different foods by analyzing a vast DNA database containing over 300 billion base pairs. The method has been rigorously tested in both children and adults, as well as in two controlled dietary studies.
“In over 99% of tested samples, we successfully identified food DNA,” says Diener. “Our method can even detect food DNA when it constitutes as little as 0.0001% of the total DNA in a sample.”
By analyzing these genetic traces, MEDI generates detailed nutrient profiles, accurately reflecting a person’s intake of proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
Revealing Health Risks Without Surveys
A study involving more than 500 participants demonstrated that MEDI can identify foods and nutrients linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome—without relying on dietary questionnaires.
“This method allows us to measure both dietary habits and the gut microbiome at the same time,” says Sean Gibbons, study co-author from the Institute for Systems Biology.
According to Diener, these findings could lead to personalized dietary recommendations, improved interventions, and a better understanding of how diet impacts gut health.
A Future of Personalized Nutrition
Researchers see MEDI as a valuable tool for clinical and epidemiological studies. Because it eliminates self-reporting errors, it could help develop customized diet plans, improve gut health monitoring, and even aid in infection prevention.
“The ability to analyze both microbes and food DNA in stool samples may help pinpoint foods that contribute to gut infections or assist in restoring gut flora after antibiotic treatments,” Diener explains.
With its accuracy and ease of use, the MEDI method could transform the way we study diet and health—simply through a stool sample.
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