Description

Advanced Strain-Level Microbiome & Functional Analysis Using Shotgun Metagenomics

Nationwide Shipping Available — Convenient At-Home Stool Collection

Overview

The Adult Gut Health Test uses cutting-edge shotgun metagenomic sequencing to analyze your gut microbiome at the strain level. This highly advanced stool analysis provides detailed insights into microbial diversity, digestive function, immune response, inflammation, and nutrient synthesis capabilities.

Understanding your microbiome’s balance and functionality is crucial since it plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, immune regulation, mental health, and inflammatory conditions.

Why This Test Matters

Your gut microbiome influences:

  • Digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Immune system regulation and defense
  • Metabolism and weight management
  • Mental health and mood regulation
  • Inflammatory and autoimmune disease susceptibility

This test detects imbalances between beneficial and harmful microbes and evaluates your gut’s ability to digest food, resist infection, and produce essential vitamins.

Key Biomarkers Measured

Microbial Diversity & Balance

  • Shannon Diversity Index (overall microbial diversity)
  • Richness Index (unique species count)
  • F/B Ratio (Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes) — microbiome balance indicator
  • P/B Ratio (Proteobacteria/Bifidobacteria) — dysbiosis marker
  • Proteobacteria/Actinobacteria Ratio — potential inflammation marker
  • Gut Type classification (dominant microbial community patterns)

Commensal & Beneficial Bacteria

  • Akkermansia spp.
  • Faecalibacterium spp.
  • Bifidobacterium spp.
  • Roseburia spp.
  • Lacticaseibacillus paracasei & rhamnosus
  • Ruminococcus spp.
  • Blautia spp.
  • Phocaeicola dorei
  • Prevotella spp.

Pathogenic & Opportunistic Organisms

  • Clostridium difficile
  • Candida spp.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae & oxytoca
  • Escherichia coli (including E. flexneri)
  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Salmonella enterica
  • Yersinia enterocolitica
  • Blastocystis spp.
  • Giardia, Entamoeba spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium spp.

Digestive Function & Gut Inflammation

  • Butyrate, Acetate, Propionate (short-chain fatty acids supporting gut lining and immune health)
  • Mucus Degradation Index (gut barrier integrity)
  • Hydrogen Sulfide Index (inflammation and gut irritation marker)
  • Hexa-LPS Index (endotoxin-related inflammation marker)
  • Protein Breakdown (efficiency of protein digestion)
  • Host DNA (indicator of epithelial damage or leaky gut)

Prebiotic & Fiber Utilization

  • Cellulose, Chitin, Pectin (fiber breakdown markers)
  • Resistant Starch
  • Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
  • Galactooligosaccharides (GOS)
  • Xylooligosaccharides (XOS)
  • Isomaltooligosaccharides (IMO)

Vitamin & Nutrient Synthesis Pathways

  • Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
  • Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
  • Vitamin B9 (Folate)
  • Vitamin K2

Additional Biomarkers

  • Histamine Producers (may relate to food sensitivities or inflammation)
  • HMO-Digesting Species (typically breastfeeding-associated but can appear in adults)
  • Abundance Index (relative presence of microbes)
  • Methanobrevibacter smithii (methane producer linked to constipation)
  • Fungal species: Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Malassezia, Trichophyton, Saprochaete
  • Opportunistic bacteria: Staphylococcus, Streptococcus spp.

Who Should Consider This Test?

Adults who:

  • Experience chronic digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
  • Have skin issues, brain fog, fatigue, or mood disturbances potentially linked to gut health
  • Suspect food sensitivities or gut-related inflammation
  • Recently took antibiotics or antifungals and want to assess microbiome recovery
  • Seek to optimize gut health for immune support, metabolic health, or overall wellness

Sample Collection & Preparation

  • Sample type: Stool (collected at home with an easy-to-use kit)
  • Turnaround time: Approximately 2–3 weeks after lab receives the sample
  • Preparation instructions:
  • Avoid antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics, and probiotics for 2 weeks before collection
  • Avoid NSAIDs, laxatives, digestive enzymes, and antacids for 2 days before collection
  • Do not collect while menstruating or during active rectal bleeding

Shipping & Processing

  • Nationwide shipping available — kit shipped directly to your home with prepaid return packaging
  • Shipping time: 1–7 business days
  • Sample processing time: Approximately 14 business days