Opportunities in Digestive Wellness

Alan joined with Monash University’s Low FODMAP Diet program in 2017 after a sales and marketing career in biopharmaceuticals with market leaders Pfizer and Grifols. Monash is Australia’s largest public university, a leading research institution, and the creator of the car safety belt, in vitro fertilization and of course the Low FODMAP Diet for managing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. FODMAPs stands for Fermentable, Oligosaccharides Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. These short chain carbohydrates are often the cause of the symptoms of IBS. IBS is the most common functional gut disorder and often is what consumers are seeking to solve when they pursue digestive wellness or gut health. The FODMAP diet can help up to 75% of those with the symptoms of IBS. Since 2017 Monash and Alan have worked with the leading US gastroenterologists, dietitians, universities and leading food and ingredient companies to create an ecosystem to support consumers, patients, medical professionals and companies that want to participate with the Monash FODMAP diet to manage what can be very frustrating symptoms of IBS. In 2018, the American College of Gastroenterology began recommending the diet for those with IBS. Since launching in the US, leading food and ingredient manufacturers like Kellogg, Ingredion, Taiyo Foods, FODYFoods, Modify Health, Dr. Schar and others have joined Monash by providing foods that are certified by Monash as being Low in FODMAPs allowing the millions following the diet to have an excellent selection of foods and ingredients which support the diet.

Dave’s entrée into the world of nutrition started nearly 30 years ago when he began working in the natural foods business. While owning and operating his own natural food store, Dave attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, graduated with honors, and became a registered dietitian. He completed his Masters in Nutrition and Wellness with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. With a strong interest in communications, Dave pursued a broadcasting career and hosted a live radio show on health and nutrition for over 10 years and also a local television show. He proudly served as a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for over six years and has generated millions of impressions via print, digital and broadcast media throughput his career. As a clinician who has provided plant-forward, “doable” solutions for individuals and families for over three decades, Dave was inspired to write the acclaimed book, 101 Foods That Could Save Your Life, which is now featured in 18 different languages. His second book, 101 Optimal Life Foods, with a foreword written by Montel Williams, debuted in January of 2010 and his latest book, Best Things You Can Eat, launched in January 2013. He also contributed to The Hungry Girl Diet (2014), by Lisa Lillien, which ranked #1 in both Amazon and the New York Times Best Seller lists. Dave serves as the Senior Wellbeing Affairs Manager at Kellogg Company and leads the implementation of their holistic wellbeing strategy, engaging key reputational influencers and strategic partnerships. This work enhances the reputation of Kellogg as a leader in Wellbeing, through brand and category campaigns such as the company’s Better Days philanthropic work, and awareness of how Kellogg nourishes physical, emotional and societal wellbeing of people and planet through their foods. Dave lives in Elmhurst Illinois with his wife Sharon, three daughters - Chloe, Katie and Madison - and assorted pets.