Specialist Gastroenterology and Sports Dietitian
Evidence-based gut health and nutritional support for athletes
Specialist dietetic support for athletes and active adults managing digestive symptoms, gastrointestinal conditions, and performance-related nutrition concerns.
Previously worked with
Welcome
Where clinical gastroenterology meets performance nutrition
Welcome to Gráinne O'Higgins Gut Health Performance Dietitian. Gráinne is a Gastroenterology Specialist dietitian, combining NHS clinical expertise with sports nutrition to support athletes and active individuals experiencing gut symptoms or digestive conditions that may affect their health and performance.
Her approach is evidence-based, practical, and highly individualised, helping clients understand and manage their symptoms, improve day-to-day digestive health, and feel confident in how they fuel for training, recovery, and competition.
10+
Years providing sports specific nutritional support
9+
Years in Gastroenterology
8+
Years with Sport Ireland
Elite
Olympic-level Support
Who I Support
Adult athletes & active individuals
I support those experiencing digestive symptoms, gastrointestinal conditions, or performance nutrition concerns that affect training, competition, or everyday life.
- IBS-type symptoms and other ongoing gut complaints
- Exercise-related gastrointestinal (G.I) symptoms
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Coeliac Disease, Bile Acid Malabsorption, Functional Dyspepsia, and other G.I disorders
- Digestive issues affecting fuelling, hydration, performance, or recovery
- Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) or low energy availability
- Under-fuelling, poor recovery, or difficulty tolerating sports nutrition strategies
Why Work With Me
Bridging clinical care and athletic performance
"What makes this practice different is the combination of specialist gastroenterology experience and sports nutrition expertise."
For athletes, digestive symptoms are not only uncomfortable — they can interfere with training quality, competition readiness, confidence, recovery, and overall performance. My work bridges the gap between clinical digestive care and the practical demands of sport. Clients and referrers value a service that is clinical, evidence-based, grounded in real performance demands, and genuinely personalised to each individual.
Testimonials
Trusted by elite athletes and practitioners
“Working with Grainne has made a huge difference to both my health and my performance as an elite national-level hockey player.”
“Before seeking her advice, I struggled with severe bloating, stomach pain and cramps that were impacting both my training and matches. Grainne took the time to understand my symptoms and provided practical dietary advice that significantly improved my gut health. As my symptoms improved, I noticed a real difference in my energy levels, comfort and performance on the field. I would highly recommend Grainne to any athlete looking to optimise their nutrition and performance while addressing gut health concerns.”
Hannah McLaughlin
Irish international hockey player | Represented Ireland at senior level, including during the country's 2024 Olympic qualification campaign.
“Working with Grainne leading up to the Paris Olympics was one of the best decisions I made for my performance. She took time to understand me as an athlete and a person, her support, guidance and expertise gave me complete confidence in my nutrition throughout my training and competition.”
“Most valuably of all, Grainne has given me an education around nutrition which allows me to make the best decisions for my performance even when she is not there.”
Sophie Becker
Elite 400m sprinter and two-time Irish Olympian (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) | A European Championships silver medallist with Ireland's 4x400m relay team 2024 | Boasts a 400m PB of 51.13.
“I worked with Grainne in the lead up to the Paris Olympics.”
“She was very helpful in identifying areas of improvement specific to me, with regular check-ups to see how the adaptation to the changes was coming along.”
Christopher O'Donnell
Irish international 400m sprinter and two-time Olympian (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) | 2024 European silver medallist in the mixed 4x400m relay.
“I worked alongside Grainne at the Sport Ireland Institute for a number of years.”
“Grainne is one of the best dietitians around and in particular her expertise in gut health is world class”
She is someone who truly cares and supports patients and athletes and provides a top class nutrition service.
Dr Ronan Kearney
Consultant physician in Sports & Exercise Medicine at Blackrock Health Blackrock Clinic and a Senior Clinical Lecturer at Trinity College Dublin | Medical Officer for Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games | Previously worked at Sport Ireland Institute.
“Grainne has a wealth of knowledge in her specialist area - gut health!”
“I've made numerous athlete referrals to her and in all cases, she has gone above and beyond with her care”
She provided evidence-based practical solutions that helped alleviate reported GI symptoms allowing athletes to train and perform symptom free. I would highly recommend her as a competent and caring sports dietitian.
Dr Danielle Logue
Sports nutrition researcher and Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Science at Ulster University | Worked as a Performance Nutritionist with the Sport Ireland Institute.