Today’s guest is someone who truly bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and the real-world challenges lifters face on their journey to build muscle and optimise health.
Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro is a distinguished expert in gut health and human nutrition. She holds a PhD in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech and is a former Assistant Professor of Exercise Science. In addition to being an ACE-certified health coach, she holds credentials in sports nutrition, motivational interviewing, and the Monash Low-FODMAP program — equipping her with a rare blend of scientific expertise and practical coaching tools.
As the founder of Vitamin PhD Nutrition, Dr. Fundaro champions weight-neutral, sustainable health strategies that empower individuals to align their habits with their values. She’s a published author, international speaker, and serves on the boards of both the Sports Nutrition Association and the Nutrition Coaching Global Mastermind.
You may also know her from her work with Renaissance Periodization, where she helped combat misinformation in the fitness industry with evidence-based insights. Her passion lies in translating complex topics — especially the role of gut health in performance, recovery, and muscle growth — into strategies people can actually apply.
Please welcome to The Muscle Growth Podcast, Dr. Gabrielle Fundaro.

From frustrated to fit — The MUSCLE GROWTH Podcast helps you get bigger, stronger, and better with evidence-backed strategies from our expert guests — the Gains Gurus — to build muscle, gain strength, perform at your best, and stay healthy for life.
“You are not what you eat; rather, you are what you absorb.” and on that let’s dive into the topics for today!
An Introduction to Dr Gabrielle Fundaro


The role of gut health in muscle growth and recovery


The "3 D’s" of gut health:


Digestion


Disease


Diversity


Insoluble vs. soluble fibre


Importance of nutrition for gut health


FODMAPs explained


Prebiotics vs. probiotics – what’s the difference, and are they useful?


Fermentable products – some examples.


The fallacy of “Natural being Harmless” (especially in online fitness/health spaces)


Is getting a stool sample worth it?


Greens powders – worth it or bin it?

And so much more! Get ready for a truly informative episode.