Elsie Nordin

PhD project title: Molecular phenotyping of IBS subtypes

Short description of the project

This project is part of the precision‑nutrition initiative Optimal Diets for Metabotypes (OpDiMet). Elise has conducted a randomised cross‑over intervention with 120 participants with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to investigate relationships between diet, gut microbiota and IBS symptoms. The aim is to identify metabotypes—groups of individuals who share similar metabolic regulation—based on physiological responses to dietary provocations with FODMAPs, gluten and an inert control.

The project involves extensive work with clinical data, metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis and is funded by FORMAS.

Supervisors

Main supervisor:

• Carl Brunius, Associate Professor, Chalmers University of Technology

Co-supervisors:

• Rikard Landberg, Professor, Chalmers University of Technology
• Per Hellström, Professor, Uppsala University

Location

Division of Food and Nutrition Science, Department of Biology and Biological Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology

I grew up in Luleå in northern Sweden. I first trained as a nurse and worked clinically for 1.5 years before pursuing my interest in food by studying Food Science at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Uppsala, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. These studies led me to a PhD in food and health science.

I enjoy working on a project that has real potential to improve life for individuals with IBS as well as impact society more broadly. Being a PhD student is exciting and dynamic, offering opportunities to learn new skills. In my project I have been involved in all steps—from planning the study and developing food products to running the intervention, meeting participants, conducting laboratory work and performing statistical analyses.

Elise Nordin from Chalmers University of Technology defended her doctoral thesis: “Effects of FODMAPs and Gluten on Irritable Bowel Syndrome – From Self-Reported Symptoms to Molecular Profiling” on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 09:00–12:00, in VASA A Hall, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg. Opponent: Kevin Whelan, King’s College London, England.