Profile image of Heidi Staudacher

Dr Heidi Staudacher

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Senior Research Fellow

Faculty

Faculty of Health

Department

School of Medicine

Campus

HERB

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, King's College London, 2016

Biography

Dr Heidi Staudacher is an advanced accredited practising dietitian with expertise in the dietary management of individuals with gastrointestinal disorders. She undertook her PhD at King’s College London investigating the role of diet in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its effect on the microboime. She has published key papers in the field which have influenced several clinical guidelines internationally.

At the Food & Mood Centre Heidi's research program aims to improve our  understanding of the role of diet for reducing symptoms in people with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) like IBS, as well as common mental disorders such as depression, and when these conditions overlap. Her research also investigates the nature and relevance of diet-induced microbiome shifts and other important mechanisms through which diet influences the brain and the gut, with the ultimate aim of developing better treatments. 

 

Selected grants 2010-current:

2022 Rome Foundation Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction International Research Award  ($57112)

2022 NHMRC Emerging Leadership Investigator Grant $655,150

2019 Career Continuity for Researchers who are Primary Carers $26,227

2018 Alfred Deakin Postoctoral Fellowship $182,589

2013 NIHR Clinical Doctoral Fellowship equiv $526,000

Read more on Heidi's profile

Affiliations

Accredited Practising Dietitian 
Registered Nutritionist 
Rome V Treatment Trials Chapter Committee 

Knowledge areas

Dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Diet and the microbiome

Dietary interventions for gastrointestinal and common mental disorders

Clinical trial methodology

Dietary assessment

Nocebo and placebo responses in IBS

Awards

Selected awards:

2021: Research Australia Griffith Discovery Highly Commended Award

2016: Nutrition Society International Postgraduate Competition Finalist (Dublin)

Projects

Heidi leads and is involved in collaborative projects with nutrition, psychology and gastroenterology research groups across Australia, the UK and Ireland, and the US.

The current research she leads at Deakin includes:

TANDIM trial: Randomised controlled trial of diet intervention in people with IBS and anxiety and/or depressive symtoms

Food, Mood and Microbes: Program of research aiming to address gaps relating to 1) scalable and cost-effective dietary intervention for people with depression via the BeNEFIT trial, 2) mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of the Mediterranean diet, 3) understanding the level of translation of evidence for diet improving symptoms of depression in practice.

Nocebo responses in IBS: Challenge trial investigating nocebo responses to dietary components in people with IBS.

Publications

Filter by

2024

How can I improve my gut health via non-dietary means?

A Loughman, H Staudacher

(2024), Vol. 9, pp. 20-20, The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial of Prebiotic Supplementation in Children with Autism: Effects on Parental Quality of Life, Child Behaviour, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and the Microbiome

Jacqueline Palmer, Jolieke van der Pols, Karen Sullivan, Heidi Staudacher, Rebecca Byrne

(2024), pp. 1-14, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Berlin, Germany, C1

journal article
2023

Alterations to the duodenal microbiota are linked to gastric emptying and symptoms in functional dyspepsia

E Shanahan, S Kang, H Staudacher, A Shah, A Do, G Burns, V Chachay, N Koloski, S Keely, M Walker, N Talley, M Morrison, G Holtmann

(2023), Vol. 72, pp. 929-938, Gut, England, C1-1

journal article

Irritable bowel syndrome and mental health comorbidity - approach to multidisciplinary management.

Heidi Staudacher, Christopher Black, Scott Teasdale, Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Laurie Keefer

(2023), Vol. 20, pp. 582-596, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Fibre intake and supplementation during treatment for haematological malignancies: a scoping review

Sarah Andersen, Andrea Henden, Heidi Staudacher, Glen Kennedy, Nicole Gavin

(2023), Vol. 36, pp. 1982-1991, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Challenges and priorities for researching the gut microbiota in individuals living with anorexia nervosa

M West, S Hart, A Loughman, F Jacka, H Staudacher, A Abbaspour, A Phillipou, A Ruusunen, T Rocks

(2023), International Journal of Eating Disorders, United States, C1

journal article

Clinical trial: A Mediterranean diet is feasible and improves gastrointestinal and psychological symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

Heidi Staudacher, Sophie Mahoney, Kim Canale, Rachelle Opie, Amy Loughman, Daniel So, Lauren Beswick, Chris Hair, Felice Jacka

(2023), pp. 1-12, Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Fiber intake and fiber intervention in depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized controlled trials

Hajara Aslam, Mojtaba Lotfaliany, Daniel So, Kirsten Berding, Michael Berk, Tetyana Rocks, Meghan Hockey, Felice Jacka, Wolfgang Marx, John Cryan, Heidi Staudacher

(2023), NUTRITION REVIEWS, United States, C1

journal article
2022

Long-term personalized low FODMAP diet improves symptoms and maintains luminal Bifidobacteria abundance in irritable bowel syndrome

H Staudacher, M Rossi, T Kaminski, E Dimidi, F Ralph, B Wilson, L Martin, P Louis, M Lomer, P Irving, K Whelan

(2022), Vol. 34, pp. 1-12, Neurogastroenterology and Motility, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Optimal Design of Clinical Trials of Dietary Interventions in Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction

H Staudacher, C Yao, W Chey, K Whelan

(2022), Vol. 117, pp. 973-984, American Journal of Gastroenterology, Philadelphia, Pa., C1

journal article

Nonfermented Dairy Intake, but Not Fermented Dairy Intake, Associated with a Higher Risk of Depression in Middle-Age and Older Finnish Men

M Hockey, E Hoare, M Mohebbi, T Tolmunen, S Hantunen, T Tuomainen, H Macpherson, H Staudacher, F Jacka, J Virtanen, T Rocks, A Ruusunen

(2022), Vol. 152, pp. 1916-1926, Journal of Nutrition, C1

journal article

Effects of a low FODMAP diet on the colonic microbiome in irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review with meta-analysis

D So, A Loughman, H Staudacher

(2022), Vol. 116, pp. 943-952, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, United States, C1

journal article

Low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: A review of recent clinical trials and meta-Analyses

K Whelan, H Staudacher

(2022), Vol. 25, pp. 341-347, Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, Philadelphia, Pa., C1

journal article

Diet, Digestion, and the Dietitian: A Survey of Clinicians' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices to Advance the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disturbances in Individuals with Anorexia Nervosa

M West, C McMaster, C Young, M Mohebbi, S Hart, H Staudacher, A Loughman, A Ruusunen, T Rocks

(2022), Vol. 11, pp. 1-12, Journal of Clinical Medicine, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2021

Diet and depression: exploring the biological mechanisms of action

W Marx, M Lane, M Hockey, H Aslam, M Berk, K Walder, A Borsini, J Firth, C Pariante, K Berding, J Cryan, G Clarke, J Craig, K Su, D Mischoulon, F Gomez-Pinilla, J Foster, P Cani, S Thuret, H Staudacher, A Sánchez-Villegas, H Arshad, T Akbaraly, A O’Neil, T Segasby, F Jacka

(2021), Vol. 26, pp. 134-150, Molecular Psychiatry, England, C1

journal article

Gut microbiota associations with diet in irritable bowel syndrome and the effect of low FODMAP diet and probiotics

H Staudacher, M Scholz, M Lomer, F Ralph, P Irving, J Lindsay, F Fava, K Tuohy, K Whelan

(2021), Vol. 40, pp. 1861-1870, Clinical Nutrition, England, C1

journal article

Optimizing engagement in an online dietary intervention for depression (My food & mood version 3.0): Cohort study

C Young, M Mohebbi, H Staudacher, F Kay-Lambkin, M Berk, F Jacka, A O'Neil

(2021), Vol. 8, JMIR Mental Health, Canada, C1

journal article

Gastrointestinal symptoms following treatment for anorexia nervosa: A systematic literature review

M West, C McMaster, H Staudacher, S Hart, F Jacka, T Stewart, A Loughman, T Rocks, A Ruusunen

(2021), Vol. 54, pp. 936-951, International Journal of Eating Disorders, United States, C1

journal article

Common mental disorders in irritable bowel syndrome: pathophysiology, management, and considerations for future randomised controlled trials

H Staudacher, A Mikocka-Walus, A Ford

(2021), Vol. 6, pp. 401-410, The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Netherlands, C1

journal article

Conducting research on diet-microbiome interactions: A review of current challenges, essential methodological principles, and recommendations for best practice in study design

E Shanahan, J McMaster, H Staudacher

(2021), Vol. 34, pp. 631-644, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, England, C1

journal article

Epigastric symptom response to low FODMAP dietary advice compared with standard dietetic advice in individuals with functional dyspepsia

H Staudacher, A Nevin, C Duff, B Kendall, G Holtmann

(2021), Vol. 33, Neurogastroenterology and Motility, England, C1

journal article

Telehealth-delivered, Cardioprotective Diet and Exercise Program for Liver Transplant Recipients: A Randomized Feasibility Study

I Hickman, A Hannigan, H Johnston, L Elvin-Walsh, H Mayr, H Staudacher, A Barnett, R Stoney, C Salisbury, M Jarrett, M Reeves, J Coombes, K Campbell, S Keating, G Macdonald

(2021), Vol. 7, Transplantation Direct, United States, C1

journal article

Assessing the feasibility of an m-Health intervention for changing diet quality and mood in individuals with depression: the My Food & Mood program

C Young, M Mohebbi, H Staudacher, M Berk, F Jacka, A O’Neil

(2021), Vol. 33, pp. 266-279, International Review of Psychiatry, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Diet and mental health

Amy Loughman, H Staudacher, Tetyana Rocks, Anu Ruusunen, Wolfgang Marx, Adrienne O'Neil, Felice Jacka

(2021), Vol. 32, pp. 100-112, Mod Trends Psychiatry, Basel, Switzerland, C1

journal article

The role of diet quality and dietary patterns in predicting muscle mass and function in men over a 15-year period

J Davis, M Mohebbi, F Collier, A Loughman, H Staudacher, N Shivappa, J Hébert, J Pasco, F Jacka

(2021), Vol. 32, pp. 2193-2203, Osteoporosis International, C1

journal article

Efficacy of a low FODMAP diet in irritable bowel syndrome: Systematic review and network meta-analysis

C Black, H Staudacher, A Ford

(2021), Vol. 71, pp. 1117-1126, Gut, England, C1

journal article
2020

Nutrient Intake, Diet Quality, and Diet Diversity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Impact of the Low FODMAP Diet

H Staudacher, F Ralph, P Irving, K Whelan, M Lomer

(2020), Vol. 120, pp. 535-547, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, United States, C1

journal article

Pilot study investigating the effect of enteral and parenteral nutrition on the gastrointestinal microbiome post-allogeneic transplantation

S Andersen, H Staudacher, N Weber, G Kennedy, A Varelias, M Banks, J Bauer

(2020), Vol. 188, pp. 570-581, British journal of haematology, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article
2019

Can gut microbiota composition predict response to dietary treatments?

J Biesiekierski, J Jalanka, H Staudacher

(2019), Vol. 11, Nutrients, Switzerland, C1

journal article

The keto diet and the gut: cause for concern?

C Tuck, H Staudacher

(2019), Vol. 4, pp. 908-909, The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Netherlands, C1

journal article
2018

Long-term impact of the low-FODMAP diet on gastrointestinal symptoms, dietary intake, patient acceptability, and healthcare utilization in irritable bowel syndrome

M O'Keeffe, C Jansen, L Martin, M Williams, L Seamark, H Staudacher, P Irving, K Whelan, M Lomer

(2018), Vol. 30, Neurogastroenterology and Motility, England, C1

journal article

Volatile Organic Compounds in Feces Associate With Response to Dietary Intervention in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

M Rossi, R Aggio, H Staudacher, M Lomer, J Lindsay, P Irving, C Probert, K Whelan

(2018), Vol. 16, pp. 385-391.e1, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, United States, C1

journal article

Nutritional implications of dietary interventions for managing gastrointestinal disorders

H Staudacher, M Kurien, K Whelan

(2018), Vol. 34, pp. 105-111, Current Opinion in Gastroenterology, United States, C1

journal article

The low FODMAP diet in the management of irritable bowel syndrome: an evidence-based review of FODMAP restriction, reintroduction and personalisation in clinical practice

K Whelan, L Martin, H Staudacher, M Lomer

(2018), Vol. 31, pp. 239-255, Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, England, C1

journal article

Dietary fiber intervention on gut microbiota composition in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

D So, K Whelan, M Rossi, M Morrison, G Holtmann, J Kelly, E Shanahan, H Staudacher, K Campbell

(2018), Vol. 107, pp. 965-983, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, United States, C1

journal article

Anti- TNFα therapy in IBD alters brain activity reflecting visceral sensory function and cognitive-affective biases

M Gray, C Chao, H Staudacher, N Kolosky, N Talley, G Holtmann

(2018), Vol. 13, PLoS ONE, United States, C1

journal article
2017

The low FODMAP diet: Recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS

H Staudacher, K Whelan

(2017), Vol. 66, pp. 1517-1527, Gut, England, C1

journal article

A Diet Low in FODMAPs Reduces Symptoms in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and A Probiotic Restores Bifidobacterium Species: A Randomized Controlled Trial

H Staudacher, M Lomer, F Farquharson, P Louis, F Fava, E Franciosi, M Scholz, K Tuohy, J Lindsay, P Irving, K Whelan

(2017), Vol. 153, pp. 936-947, Gastroenterology, United States, C1

journal article

The challenges of control groups, placebos and blinding in clinical trials of dietary interventions

H Staudacher, P Irving, M Lomer, K Whelan

(2017), Vol. 76, pp. 203-212, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, Cambridge, Eng., C1

journal article

Nutritional, microbiological and psychosocial implications of the low FODMAP diet

H Staudacher

(2017), Vol. 32, pp. 16-19, Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia), Australia, C1

journal article
2016

Altered gastrointestinal microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome and its modification by diet: probiotics, prebiotics and the low FODMAP diet

Heidi Staudacher, Kevin Whelan

(2016), Vol. 75, pp. 306-318, Proceedings of the nutrition society, Cambridge, Eng., C1

journal article
2015

Clinical effectiveness and economic costs of group versus one-to-one education for short-chain fermentable carbohydrate restriction (low FODMAP diet) in the management of irritable bowel syndrome

L Whigham, T Joyce, G Harper, P Irving, H Staudacher, K Whelan, M Lomer

(2015), Vol. 28, pp. 687-696, Journal of human nutrition and dietetics, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article
2014

Irritable bowel syndrome dietary management

H Staudacher, G Parkes

(2014), pp. 233-242, Advanced Nutrition and Dietetics in Gastroenterology, B1-1

book chapter

Mechanisms and efficacy of dietary FODMAP restriction in IBS

Heidi Staudacher, Peter Irving, Miranda Lomer, Kevin Whelan

(2014), Vol. 11, pp. 256-266, Nature reviews: gastroenterology and hepatology, London, Eng., C1

journal article
2012

Fermentable carbohydrate restriction reduces luminal bifidobacteria and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Heidi Staudacher, Miranda Lomer, Jacqueline Anderson, Jacqueline Barrett, Jane Muir, Peter Irving, Kevin Whelan

(2012), Vol. 142, pp. 1510-1518, Journal of nutrition, Oxford, Eng., C1

journal article
2011

Comparison of symptom response following advice for a diet low in fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) versus standard dietary advice in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

H Staudacher, K Whelan, P Irving, M Lomer

(2011), Vol. 24, pp. 487-495, Journal of human nutrition and dietetics, Chichester, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Fructan content of commonly consumed wheat, rye and gluten-free breads

Kevin Whelan, Olivia Abrahmsohn, Gondi David, Heidi Staudacher, Peter Irving, Miranda Lomer, Peter Ellis

(2011), Vol. 62, pp. 498-503, International journal of food sciences and nutrition, Abingdon, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2002

Effect of short-term fat adaptation on high-intensity training

N Stepto, A Carey, H Staudacher, N Cummings, L Burke, J Hawley

(2002), Vol. 34, pp. 449-455, Medicine and science in sports and exercise, Philadelphia, Pa., C1-1

journal article
2001

Effects of fat adaptation and carbohydrate restoration on prolonged endurance exercise

A Carey, H Staudacher, N Cummings, N Stepto, V Nikolopoulos, L Burke, J Hawley

(2001), Vol. 91, pp. 115-122, Journal of applied physiology, Bethesda, Md., C1-1

journal article

Short-term high-fat diet alters substrate utilization during exercise but not glucose tolerance in highly trained athletes

H Staudacher, A Carey, N Cummings, J Hawley, L Burke

(2001), Vol. 11, pp. 273-286, International journal of sport nutrition, Champaign, Ill., C1-1

journal article

Funded Projects at Deakin

Australian Competitive Grants

Food, mood and microbes: Improving mental health through diet.

Dr Heidi Staudacher

NHMRC - Investigator Grant

  • 2024: $45,751
  • 2023: $133,257

CoDeEndo: Co-Designing, Evaluating, and Implementing Supportive Care for Endometriosis

Prof Antonina Mikocka-Walus, A/Prof Subhadra Evans, Prof Trish Livingston, Prof Liliana Orellana, Dr Nikki McCaffrey, Dr David Skvarc, Prof Alison Hutchinson, Prof Felice Jacka, Prof Jason Abbott, Dr Mike Armour, Ms Katherine Stanley, Dr Heidi Staudacher

MRFF (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Activity Grant

  • 2024: $322,580
  • 2023: $909,698

Industry and Other Funding

The development of the BUB (Bugs, Unborns and Bugs) mHealth program

Prof Felice Jacka, Prof Adrienne O'Neil, Dr Heidi Staudacher

Waterloo Foundation - Child Development

  • 2021: $68,174
  • 2020: $66,470

Nocebo response to fermentable carbohydrate dietary challenge: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover challenge trial

Dr Heidi Staudacher, Prof Felice Jacka, Prof Antonina Mikocka-Walus

Rome Foundation Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction International Research Award

  • 2022: $58,377

CoDeEndo: Co-Designing, Evaluating, and Implementing Supportive Care for Endometriosis

Prof Antonina Mikocka-Walus, A/Prof Subhadra Evans, Prof Trish Livingston, Prof Liliana Orellana, Dr Nikki McCaffrey, Dr David Skvarc, Prof Alison Hutchinson, Prof Felice Jacka, Prof Jason Abbott, Dr Mike Armour, Ms Katherine Stanley, Dr Heidi Staudacher

Western Alliance

  • 2023: $20,000

Supervisions

Associate Supervisor
2022

Meghan Hockey

Thesis entitled: The Association Between Dairy Intake and Depression

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), School of Medicine

2021

Claire Young

Thesis entitled: A Digital Dietary Intervention for Depression: Development, Optimisation and Feasibility

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), School of Medicine