I analyse your stool for a living — and as someone with ulcerative colitis, I know firsthand how much a tiny biomarker can change your life. Let’s talk faecal calprotectin: the test that’s saved countless people from unnecessary colonoscopies and transformed how we diagnose and monitor IBD. It’s simple, powerful, and (despite the smell…) one of my favourite things we run in the lab. Here’s what it is, how it works, and why it matters more than you think.

IB3 was born from a moment of unexpected shame—one glance at a packet of bulky diapers left on my living room floor. That experience made one thing clear: no one should feel embarrassed about the products they rely on. That’s why IB3’s packaging is intentionally discreet, anonymous, and stigma-free.

Many people with IBD feel tired, foggy, or weak even when their flare is under control — and nutrient deficiencies are often the hidden reason why. As an NHS Biomedical Scientist living with ulcerative colitis, I regularly see B12 and folate deficiencies show up in patient blood results long before they’re recognised clinically. These vitamins play a crucial role in DNA synthesis and red blood cell production, and when levels drop, the effects appear clearly on a full blood count as macrocytosis and megaloblastic anaemia. In this post, I’ll walk you through what these deficiencies mean, why they happen in IBD, and how you can spot the clues in your own lab results.