When High Protein Backfires in the Gut Dr. Tom Fabian

In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald speaks with Tom Fabian, PhD, Senior Educator and Research Specialist at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, about why higher protein intake doesn’t always lead to better muscle outcomes. Emerging research shows that digestion, microbiome balance, and immune signaling all influence how effectively the body utilizes dietary protein. Dr. Fabian explores the gut–muscle axis and explains how microbiome-derived metabolites and regulatory T cells support tissue repair and recovery. The conversation also highlights why variability in protein digestion matters and how evaluating gut function can help practitioners determine whether patients are positioned to benefit from higher protein intake. Full show notes + references: GUEST DETAILS Tom Fabian, PhD, translates microbiome research into clinical insights for functional medicine. He is a science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory and a Science Advisory Board member with Designs for Health. Email: tom.fabian@diagnosticsolutionslab.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory Phone: 877-485-5336 Explore DSL’s advanced clinical testing and create your practitioner account at CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! Instagram: Facebook: DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: Younger You book: Better Broths and Healing Tonics book:

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When High Protein Backfires in the Gut Dr. Tom Fabian is an episode from New Frontiers in Functional Medicine by Dr. Kara Fitzgerald - Functional Med & Longevity.

This episode is 01:00:02 long.

This episode was published on Apr 9, 2026.

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