Description
Strain-Level Microbiome & Functional Analysis Using Shotgun Metagenomics
The Adult Gut Health Test is a highly advanced stool analysis designed to assess the balance and functionality of your gut microbiome. It uses shotgun metagenomics to identify organisms at the strain level and provides detailed insights into digestive health, immune response, and microbial contributions to nutrient production and inflammation.
Why This Test Matters
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in:
- Digestion and nutrient absorption
- Immune regulation
- Metabolism and weight balance
- Mental health and mood
- Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
This test can help identify imbalances in beneficial and harmful microbes, as well as your gut’s ability to digest food, resist infection, and produce essential vitamins.
What’s Measured (Key Biomarker Categories)
Microbial Diversity & Balance
- Shannon Diversity Index – Measures overall microbial diversity
- Richness Index – Number of unique species present
- F/B Ratio (Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes) – Indicates microbiome balance
- P/B Ratio (Proteobacteria/Bifidobacteria) – Used to assess dysbiosis
- Proteobacteria/Actinobacteria Ratio – May reflect inflammation potential
- Gut Type – Classifies your microbiome based on dominant species
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
- E. coli (including Escherichia 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 – Assesses gut barrier integrity
- Hydrogen Sulfide Index – Linked to inflammation and gut irritation
- Hexa-LPS Index – A marker of inflammation-promoting endotoxins
- Protein Breakdown – Indicates how effectively protein is digested
- Host DNA – A potential sign 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
Microbial pathways for the production of:
- 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 associated with breastfeeding, but may still appear in adult microbiomes
- Abundance Index – Relative presence of each microbe
- Methanobrevibacter smithii – Methane producer linked to constipation
- Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus, Malassezia, Trichophyton, Saprochaete – Fungal species
- Staphylococcus, Streptococcus spp. – May indicate imbalance or opportunistic presence
Who Should Consider This Test
This test is ideal for adults who:
- Experience chronic digestive issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea)
- Have skin problems, brain fog, fatigue, or mood disturbances
- Suspect food sensitivities or gut-related inflammation
- Have taken antibiotics or antifungals recently
- Want to optimize gut health for immune support or wellness
Collection & Timing
- 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 prior
- Avoid NSAIDs, laxatives, digestive enzymes, and antacids for 2 days before collection
- Do not collect while menstruating or experiencing active rectal bleeding
