Petra Hooyenga

Petra has over 10 years of experience of providing personalised diet and nutritional therapeutic support with a ‘food first’ focus on the quality of diet providing essential nutrients and co-factors to support physical and psychological health. 

Special area of interest: Nutrigenomic support for children with Autism.

Petra adopts a person-centred approach, providing individualised and evidence based therapeutic and capacity building nutritional support.  When working with children she supports families by equipping them with the nutritional knowledge and strategies they need to support their child to optimise health and thrive.

What is nutrigenomic support?

Nutrigenomics is the science of influence of nutrients and diet on the activity of genes, potentially impacting health and disease risk. A comprehensive genetic test provides a nutrigenomic blueprint for personalised nutrition support to optimise health outcomes.

Why nutrigenomic testing for children with Autism?

Current research shows high prevalence of food selectivity and/or food allergy and gastro-intestinal symptoms among children with Autism, resulting in essential micronutrient deficits that may trigger or aggravate physical and cognitive symptoms. Nutrigenomics is an emerging discipline that focuses on genotype-micronutrient interaction, and a useful approach to tailor low risk, personalised interventions through diet and micronutrient supplementation.

 Related articles:

1.      Nutritional and environmental contributions to autism spectrum disorders: Focus on nutrigenomics as complementary therapy

2.     Questionnaire-based analysis of autism spectrum disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

3.      Gastrointestinal Issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Qualifications:

• Clinical Nutritionist (CPN) since 2013

• Research Affiliate – Healthy Longevity lab – Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Oct 2022 – Dec 2023

Professional Memberships:

• Member of Australian Association of Registered and Practicing Nutritionists (AARPN)

• Registered healthcare provider HPI-I 8003 6108 3339 2216

• Accredited G.E.M.M. practitioner

• Certified 3x4 Genetics practitioner

More information on: www.petrahooyenga.com

Phone: 02 9098 9384

Email: hello@petrahooyenga.com

Available days in person at Mind & Presence:  Fridays, Saturdays

Telehealth on:  Tuesdays, Thursdays

Private Health Refund & NDIS eligible (for self-managed plans)