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The gut microbiome refers to the collective genomes of all the microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. With approximately 100 trillion microbes spanning 5,000 species and weighing around 4.4 pounds collectively, this microbial community functions like an additional organ, significantly impacting overall health.
Unfortunately, many Americans neglect their gut health. A recent survey found a lack of awareness about gut health and confusion regarding dietary information, with 52% expressing confusion and 85% failing a Gut IQ quiz.
This article will explore the significance of gut health, factors influencing the gut microbiome, and available microbiome test kit options. Understanding the composition and diversity of your gut microbiome can reveal potential imbalances linked to health issues.
Gut Microbiome vs Gut Microbiota
The terms "gut microbiota" and "gut microbiome" are used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different concepts.
- Gut Microbiota: Refers to the actual community of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. It includes all the living organisms present in the gut.
- Gut Microbiome: Refers to the collective genomes of all the microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) living in the gut. It encompasses not only the organisms themselves but also their genes and genetic material.
So, while the gut microbiota refers to the living organisms, the gut microbiome encompasses both the living organisms and their genetic material
The Role of Gut Microbiome in Health
A lot of research has looked into how the human gut microbiome affects health. It's been shown to perform a multitude of functions, including:
Metabolism
Gut bacteria produce several essential vitamins, particularly those in the B group. Many B vitamins act as coenzymes, which means they assist enzymes in facilitating biochemical reactions involved in metabolism.
For example, B vitamins like thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6) are involved in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, helping convert them into energy.
Your gut bacteria also synthesize amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. The body uses them to build and repair tissues, including muscles, organs, skin, hair, and nails. Plus, amino acids are the basis of many enzymes and hormones, which regulate various processes, such as metabolism, growth, mood, and biochemical reactions in the body.
Digestion
When you eat, bile acids in the gallbladder are released into the small intestine to help digest and absorb fats. Most of these bile acids are reabsorbed in the small intestine and sent back to the liver in a process called enterohepatic circulation.
However, a small amount of bile acids, about 1-5% of the total, escapes this circulation and reaches the colon (large intestine). Here, your gut microbiota plays a vital role, transforming these bile acids through enzymatic reactions, changing their characteristics, and potentially influencing their biological functions. This process is termed deconjugation.
Deconjugation reduces the toxicity of the bile acids and produces bile acids that can be absorbed by the body. These deconjugated bile acids may then be absorbed and returned to the liver, or they may undergo further modification by gut bacteria.
Over 30 bile acids are known in the circulating and hepatic bile acid pool. The gut microbiome largely influences the diversity of these bile acids.
Immune System Regulation
The immune system is the body's primary defense against pathogens, which are microorganisms capable of causing diseases. This defense system comprises diverse cell types, including antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Notably, your gut microbiota significantly influences the development and function of these innate immune cells.
Furthermore, the gut microbiota extends its influence systemically, affecting the regulation of neutrophils. Neutrophils belong to a category of white blood cells involved in combating infections.
In an animal study, researchers found that rats lacking gut bacteria had neutrophils that were less effective at destroying pathogens and producing molecules like nitric oxide and superoxide anion, which are important for killing pathogens. As a result, these rats were less able to fight off infections compared to rats with specific-pathogen-free and conventional status.
Yet, the precise mechanisms by which the gut microbiome regulates neutrophil function remain unclear.
Maintenance of Gut Barrier Function
Microbes in your gut break down indigestible dietary fibers, releasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) as byproducts. SCFAs, particularly butyrate, are an important energy source for the cells lining the intestinal mucosa.
The intestinal mucosa creates a physical barrier, blocking harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. Moreover, the mucus secreted by the cells lubricates the intestinal surface and traps pathogens and debris, preventing them from damaging the underlying tissue.
Neurological Function
The exact ways the gut bacteria communicate with the brain aren't fully understood. Generally speaking, the gut microbiota impacts the brain not just via the nervous system but also through the endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways.
For instance, more than 90% of the body's serotonin is produced by enzymes located in the mucosa of the small intestine, while about 50% of dopamine is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract by enteric neurons and intestinal epithelial cells. These molecules can pass through cell barriers, influencing mood regulation.
Factors Influencing Gut Microbiome Composition
Emerging evidence suggests that the human intestinal microbiota begins to develop before birth, with the maternal microbiota forming the initial set of microorganisms. As you grow, your microbiome can change, and these shifts may either contribute to your well-being or raise the likelihood of illness.
Factors influencing the gut microbiome's composition and diversity may include:
Diet
What you eat directly influences the structure, composition, and function of your gut microbiome. Different dietary patterns can lead to distinct microbial communities within the gut, which in turn influences gut health and overall well-being.
Notably, dietary fiber is the key nutrient for maintaining a diverse population of microorganisms in your gut. Even in healthy individuals, switching to a diet high in fat and protein and low in fiber can reduce gut microbiota diversity within one day.
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Lifestyle and Environmental Exposures
Factors such as exercise, stress, sleep patterns, and exposure to environmental toxins can impact the gut microbiome. For instance, exercise can independently alter the gut microbiota.
In a 2021 study, 24 previously sedentary men with similar diets were split into exercise and control groups. After 10 weeks of moderate aerobic training, those in the exercise group showed higher gut microbial diversity and increased relative abundance of Roseburia, Sutterella, and Odoribacter genera, correlating with the exercise-induced rise in oxygen uptake.
Additionally, contact with environmental pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides can disturb the gut microbiota, resulting in imbalance and detrimental health impacts.
Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics have the potential to disturb the balance of bacteria in your gut, reducing diversity, altering their functions, and potentially promoting the growth of harmful, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can increase the risk of infections.
An example of the direct impact of antibiotic disruption on the gut microbiota is Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile infection. This infection affects the colon, causing symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
Age
The development of the gut microbiome occurs in three key stages: birth, adolescence, and old age, with significant changes happening during each stage.
A study analyzed fecal samples from healthy Japanese subjects aged 0 to 104 years. They found that gut microbiome diversity follows distinct patterns across age groups, increasing from 0 to 10 years, plateauing from 10 to 50 years, increasing again from 50 to 80 years, and decreasing from 80 to 100 years.
This suggests different stages of life impact microbiome diversity. Furthermore, they noted correlations between age and specific bacterial genera, Bacteroides and Eubacterium increased in abundance with age, while Bifidobacterium decreased.
How At-Home Gut Microbiome Test Kits Work
All gut microbiome analysis kits require you to collect fresh fecal samples, put them in provided tubes, and return them to the company. Then, you'll get a detailed report on your gut microbes and suggestions for diet or lifestyle changes to improve your microbiome.
The analysis typically involves examining two types of genetic material–RNA and DNA. DNA-based profiles offer insights into the types of microbes present but do not provide information on active microbial genes or their specific functions within the body.
Meanwhile, RNA-based profiles not only identify microbial species but also reveal their functional roles, such as involvement in digestion or production of metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties.
Different ways of analyzing data, such as how genetic sequences are organized and which databases are used as references, can greatly affect the detail and usefulness of the resulting information.
Top 6 At-Home Microbiome Test Kits
With the rise of microbiome research, gut microbiome test kits have become important tools, giving us a peek into our gut health. Now, let's check out some of the best gut microbiome test kits on the market, each providing its own special insights into our microbial makeup.
During our selection process, we've taken into account factors such as:
- Accuracy of the results
- Comprehensive analysis
- Ease of use
- Turnaround time
- Data interpretation
- Cost
- Medical support or guidance
Explore our recommendations for the best at-home microbiome test kits below!
Disclaimer:
The details, information, and prices provided in this article are accurate as of the time of writing. These details may vary over time due to product updates, market changes, or other external influences. We recommend verifying any crucial information or prices with relevant sources, as fluctuations and updates are possible.
Viome’s Gut Intelligence Test, priced at $259, uses a proprietary technology called metatranscriptomic sequencing, developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This advanced method enables Viome to observe and analyze the activity of every microorganism in your gut microbiome. Unlike traditional tests, which rely on DNA, metatranscriptomics examines RNA.
This technology provides a real-time window into the dynamic activities of microbial communities, such as methane production and digestion efficiency. This thorough analysis can examine various microorganisms, including:
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Bacteriophages
- Viruses
- Parasites
- Archaea
Upon receiving your sample, Viome's advanced technology begins the analysis process. Results typically take 2-3 weeks to generate. Based on your results, Viome generates over 20 gut health scores, identifying areas that may require specific nutrients for support. These recommendations target symptoms linked to poor gut health, including:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Gas
- Bloating
- Irregular bowel movements
- Skin Irritation
- Hormone imbalances
The results of your microbiome test are usually available within 2-3 weeks. Furthermore, Viome offers a personalized food list on its app featuring over 400 items categorized as Avoid, Minimize, Enjoy, and Superfood. It also provides recommendations for vitamins, digestive enzymes, polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, herbs, and food extracts. This enables you to make informed dietary choices that promote and maintain your gut health.
Pros
- HSA/FSA-eligible with Truemed
- Provides a detailed overview of your gut microbiome
- Provides personalized dietary and supplement recommendations to suit your unique gut health requirements
- Offers a selection of over 400 foods categorized by their impact on gut health
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- The extensive analysis may be overwhelming for some users
The Verisana Comprehensive Gut Biome & Health Test analyzes various aspects of your gut microbiome. For $249.95, it offers an in-depth examination of your intestinal health and evaluates crucial elements of your gut health, including:
- Candida and mold levels
- Bacterial balance
- Secretory IgA (gut mucosal immunology)
- Presence of Helicobacter pylori
This detailed analysis extends to measuring the levels of various analytes along with important microbial species such as:
- Proteus sp.
- Klebsiella sp.
- Enterobacter sp.
- Bifidobacterium sp.
- Bacteroides sp.
- Lactobacillus sp.
- Clostridium sp.
Shipping is free, and you'll get your order in 5-7 days. Verisana doesn't include pre-printed shipping labels with their microbiome test kits. You need to request a shipping label once you receive your kit and before collecting your sample.
To take the test, gather a stool sample on Mondays or Tuesdays only and drop it off at FedEx the same day. Upon receipt, Verisana examines the samples to measure the levels of different analytes. The findings typically take approximately one week to complete. These measurements are then compared to reference ranges specific to your age group.
The results include clear graphical representations indicating whether the levels fall within the "green" zone, indicating normal and healthy levels, or the "red" zone, indicating levels that may be too high or too low.
Source: Verisana
Pros
- Offers free shipping
- Fast turnaround time
- Results are presented clearly with visual aids
- Provides a detailed assessment of various aspects of gut health
- Customers find the test kit easy to use
Cons
- Does not accept insurance
- Not budget-friendly
- Currently not available in NY/NJ/RI/MD
The BIOHM Gut Test Kit costs $131.99 on Amazon and offers a detailed analysis of bacterial and fungal strains present in your gut microbiome. BIOHM's founder, Dr. Mahmoud Ghannoum, M.SC., PH.D., M.B.A., is renowned for coining the term "mycobiome" and has been recognized by the Washington Post as the world's leading microbiome researcher.
BIOHM's lab ensures its quality through a meticulous process involving the following test stages:
Stage 1: Quality Control
Stage 2: DNA Extraction
Stage 3: Library Preparation
Stage 4: Sequencing
Stage 5: Report Generation
Stage 6: Wellness Generation
The whole process takes about 3 to 4 weeks to complete. Upon completion, you will receive a comprehensive report featuring:
- Overall Gut Score: Rated on a scale from 1 to 10.
- Comparison to Normal Levels: Your results are compared against established benchmarks.
- Actionable Recommendations: BIOHM's trained dietitians offer personalized guidance on supplements, diet, and lifestyle adjustments based on your results.
Besides the microbiome test kit, BIOHM offers a variety of probiotics and supplements. For an extra $50, you can also add a one-on-one consultation with a BIOHM nutritionist to discuss your test results and recommendations in detail.
Pros
- Free shipping
- Accepts FSA/HSA card payment
- Offers 60-day money-back guarantee
- Their founder is an expert in microbiome fungi
- Features a detailed strain-by-strain analysis
- Provides a straightforward interpretation of your gut balance status
Cons
- Longer processing time
- Doesn’t test for viruses, phages, or other microbes
Ombre's Gut Wellness Test is a straightforward at-home microbiome test designed to provide personalized insights into gut health. It costs $119.99 and includes sample collection instructions and a prepaid shipping box and label.
Once you've collected your sample, simply return it using the prepaid shipping box and label provided. You can expect to receive your results and personalized recommendations within 2-4 weeks.
Ombre examines over 10,000 bacterial species in your sample using 16s rRNA V3-V4 region analysis, which contains sufficient genetic variation to distinguish between different bacterial species. They use Illumina MiSeq Machines for sequencing, generating 10-15 million reads per run, ensuring accuracy and depth of analysis.
The Illumina MiSeq Machine is a next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform used extensively in molecular biology to analyze DNA and RNA sequences. This advanced system is automated and highly efficient, capable of processing large volumes of genetic material with exceptional speed and precision.
Pros
- Free shipping
- Most affordable option
- Results are clearly presented
- Provides straightforward dietary suggestions
Cons
- Doesn’t test for fungi, viruses, and archaea
Biomesight Gut Microbiome Test kit uses 16S rRNA sequencing technology to explore the composition of your gut microbiome. This technique targets the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene found in all bacteria.
By isolating and amplifying this gene from bacterial DNA in the sample, the sequencing process generates data. These data are then analyzed with bioinformatics tools to identify and classify the bacterial species in the sample.
The kit costs $199 and can identify up to 3000 different species. However, the typical number of microbes found in each sample ranges from 200 to 400.
After submitting your sample, you can expect to receive a thorough report detailing your microbiome composition within 2 to 4 weeks. This report presents the raw data and offers personalized recommendations based on your unique microbiome profile. It covers various aspects such as dietary adjustments, supplement suggestions, and lifestyle modifications, all personalized to support your gut health.
Moreover, the microbiome test includes 43 gut health markers, assessing various aspects of gut function and microbial activity. You’ll also gain access to the Biomesight platform, which enables you to compare your results with others and explore aggregated metrics or individual species data.
Pros
- Comprehensive microbiome analysis
- Personalized recommendations
- Access to raw data for further analysis
- Offers community support and one-to-one consultation (additional charges may apply)
Cons
- Longer processing time
- Not available to customers from New York state
The AffinityDNA Microbiome DNA Test Kit provides insights into your gut health by analyzing the DNA of bacteria present in your microbiome. Priced at $199.95, the kit includes step-by-step instructions for collecting a small stool sample. Additionally, you'll have access to an instructional video and detailed collection instructions for added convenience.
Once you've collected your sample, simply send it back to AffinityDNA for analysis. You can expect to receive your results via email within 4-5 weeks. Upon receiving your results, AffinityDNA will assist you in understanding whether any changes to your diet or lifestyle are necessary to improve your bacterial composition and overall health.
Pros
- Provides instructional video for easy sample collection
- Offers actionable recommendations
Cons
- Has the longest processing time
- Not available to customers in New York
Wrap-Up
Viome stands out as the best choice among microbiome test kits for several reasons. Viome offers a comprehensive view into the intricate activities of the gut microbiome, surpassing conventional DNA-based tests.
With over 20 gut health scores, Viome’s microbiome test pinpoints specific areas needing nutritional support, addressing a spectrum of symptoms associated with poor gut health, from gastrointestinal issues to hormone imbalances.
Furthermore, Viome provides users with actionable insights through personalized dietary and supplement recommendations. Its app assists users in making informed choices to nurture and sustain their gut health journey, with a database of over 400 foods categorized by their impact on gut health.
Viome's dedication to innovation, accuracy, and helping users take control of their health establishes it as the top choice for microbiome testing. Take the first step to better understand your gut health with one of the top-rated microbiome test kits mentioned in this article.
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FAQs on Microbiome Test
Is microbiome testing suitable for everyone?
Microbiome testing can be beneficial for individuals interested in optimizing their health or addressing specific health concerns related to gut health. However, it may not be necessary for everyone, and the decision to undergo testing should be based on individual circumstances and health goals.
Is microbiome testing diagnostic?
While microbiome testing can provide valuable insights into your gut microbiota, it is not typically used as a standalone diagnostic tool for specific diseases. Instead, it can complement other diagnostic methods and help guide personalized health interventions.
Are there different types of microbiome tests available?
Yes, there are various microbiome testing services and kits available, each using different methodologies and targeting different aspects of the microbiome. Some focus on gut microbiota analysis, while others may explore oral or skin microbiota.
Are there any limitations or risks associated with microbiome testing?
While microbiome testing is generally safe, there are limitations to its interpretation, and results should be considered in the context of other health information. Additionally, the field of microbiome research is still evolving, and the clinical relevance of certain findings may be unclear.
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