Dr. Jane Muir is a Nutrition Scientist and Dietitian with over 25 years’ experience in the area of nutrition research. She is the head of Translational Nutrition Science, Department of Gastroenterology, Central Clinical School, Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. Her research has focused on understanding the role of indigestible carbohydrates in the health of the gastrointestinal tract. In her current position, Dr. Muir works in collaboration with Professor Peter Gibson, Head of Gastroenterology. A major area of their research involves investigating the role of poorly absorbed short chain carbohydrates (called FODMAPs) on the genesis of symptoms in patients with functional gut disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over the last 10 years their team has provided a strong evidence base for the use of the Low FODMAP diet to control gastrointestinal symptoms associated with IBS. More recently her team have turned their attention to understanding how best to feed our gut microbiome. Their research is focusing on natural dietary sources of prebiotic carbohydrates.

Dr. Muir helped to establish the techniques to quantify the various FODMAP carbohydrates in foods. The team at Monash have assembled the largest FODMAP food composition tables which have been essential for research into studying the physiological effects of these sugars in the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Muir also leads the team that developed the Monash University Low FODMAP diet apps (for smartphones), which have greatly assisted with the translation of this new diet therapy for controlling gastrointestinal symptoms around the world.