Understand What's Actually Going On in Your Body
Generic advice rarely works when every body is different. At Vital Energy Nutritional Medicine, Fleur Dean uses functional tools — including SMART DNA genetic testing, gut microbiome analysis and comprehensive blood pathology — to look beyond surface symptoms and build a nutrition plan grounded in your own biology. Available in clinic at Mount Eliza and Dromana, or via telehealth across Australia.
Why Functional Testing Changes the Conversation
Feeling exhausted, bloated, hormonally all over the place or stuck in a cycle of trying things that don't seem to stick? The missing piece is often information. Standard GP blood panels are designed to rule out disease — they're not built to reveal the subtle imbalances that affect how you feel day to day. Functional testing fills that gap. It gives Fleur a much clearer picture of what your body actually needs, rather than what an average person might need.
Fleur integrates SMART DNA analysis, gut microbiome testing and functional blood pathology into her consultations at Vital Energy Nutritional Medicine. These tools aren't add-ons — they're part of how she builds personalised, evidence-informed nutrition protocols for women and families across the Mornington Peninsula and online. Whether you're navigating endometriosis, PMOS (PCOS), perimenopause, gut concerns or low energy, having real data makes the path forward much clearer and far more targeted.
How Testing Works at Vital Energy Nutritional Medicine
Step 1 — Initial Consultation & Assessment
Your 90-minute initial consultation is where Fleur gets to know your full health picture — your symptoms, history, diet, lifestyle and goals. From there, she identifies which functional tests, if any, would give the most useful insight for your situation. Not every client needs every test, and Fleur is upfront about what's genuinely worthwhile for you.
Step 2 — Testing Is Arranged
Once a testing pathway is agreed, Fleur arranges the relevant assessments. SMART DNA testing uses a simple cheek swab you can do at home. Gut microbiome testing uses a stool sample collection kit sent directly to you. Functional blood pathology may involve a referral to a local collection centre on the Mornington Peninsula. Fleur guides you through every step so nothing feels complicated.
Step 3 — Results, Interpretation & Your Personalised Plan
When results come back, Fleur reviews them in detail and translates the findings into plain language you can actually use. She then builds or refines your nutrition and lifestyle protocol based on what the data shows — always working within your supplement budget and real-life circumstances. Follow-up consultations keep your plan evolving as your health progresses.
Ready to feel the difference?
Book a consultation and we'll build a plan that actually fits your life.
Your Testing Questions Answered
What is SMART DNA testing and what can it tell me?
SMART DNA is a genetic testing tool that analyses specific gene variants related to areas like nutrient metabolism, hormone processing, inflammation and detoxification. It uses a simple cheek swab collected at home. The results help Fleur understand how your genetics may be influencing the way your body responds to food, supplements and lifestyle factors — so your nutrition plan can be built around your individual biology rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. It's particularly useful for clients dealing with hormonal concerns, weight management, gut health and energy issues.
What does gut microbiome testing involve?
Gut testing analyses the bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living in your digestive system. An imbalance in the gut microbiome can contribute to bloating, irregular digestion, immune dysfunction, mood changes and more. The test uses a stool sample collection kit that's sent to you directly — you complete it at home and return it to the lab. Fleur then reviews the results and uses them to inform dietary recommendations and, where appropriate, targeted probiotic or prebiotic support.
How is functional blood pathology different from a standard GP blood test?
Standard blood tests are designed to identify disease and flag results that fall outside a broad clinical reference range. Functional blood pathology looks at a wider panel of markers and interprets them within tighter optimal ranges — meaning Fleur can identify patterns that might be contributing to symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep, mood changes or hormonal disruption, even when a standard test comes back 'normal'. It's a more detailed lens on how your body is actually functioning.
Do I need to do all three types of testing?
Not at all. Fleur recommends testing based on what's most relevant to your health concerns and goals. Some clients benefit most from blood pathology, others from gut testing or SMART DNA — and some from a combination. It's always a conversation, and Fleur is transparent about what's likely to be most useful for you specifically. She also takes your budget into account when making recommendations.
Can I access testing if I'm an online client?
Yes. Gut testing and SMART DNA testing can both be completed at home with kits sent directly to you, making them fully accessible for telehealth clients anywhere in Australia. For functional blood pathology, Fleur can provide a referral that you can take to a collection centre near you. Online consultations are available for clients across Australia and internationally (excluding the USA).
Is testing included in the cost of my consultation?
An initial 90-minute consultation is $180 and a 60-minute return consultation is $130, whether you see Fleur in Mount Eliza, Dromana or online via telehealth. A free 15-minute discovery call is also available, and Smart DNA testing and functional pathology packages are listed on the Appointments & Pricing page.
Ready to Get Some Real Answers?
If you're tired of guessing and want a clearer picture of what your body actually needs, a consultation with Fleur is a good place to start. She sees clients in Mount Eliza and Dromana, and via telehealth across Australia. Disclaimer: Nutritional medicine supports overall health and wellbeing. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your GP or specialist for medical concerns.