Description

The GI Balance test offers a functional analysis of the gut microbiome by evaluating the metabolic activities of microbial populations—going beyond just identifying species present. It focuses on how the gut microbiota support or impair nutrient metabolism, immune modulation, and gut-brain signaling. Here's a breakdown of what each biomarker category in this panel means:

Functional Biomarkers & What They Indicate

Microbial Metabolite Producers

These categories assess whether your microbiome is actively producing essential nutrients or compounds:

  • Biotin (B7) Producers – Indicate potential for microbiota to synthesize biotin, crucial for energy metabolism, hair/skin health.
  • Cobalamin (B12) Producers – Reflects ability to produce vitamin B12, important for red blood cell formation, neurological function.
  • Folate (B9) Producers – Assesses synthesis of folate, essential for DNA/RNA synthesis.
  • Niacin (B3) Producers – Linked to microbiome support for cellular metabolism and energy.
  • Pantothenate (B5) Producers – Suggests support for coenzyme A synthesis and fatty acid metabolism.
  • Pyridoxine (B6) Producers – Reflects microbiota’s role in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter production.
  • Riboflavin (B2) Producers – Indicates microbial support for oxidative metabolism.
  • Thiamine (B1) Producers – Assesses support for carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Tryptophan Producer – Indicates production of tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin and melatonin.

Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Producers

These metabolites maintain gut barrier integrity, modulate inflammation, and support colonocyte energy:

  • Acetate Producers
  • Butyrate Producers
  • Propionate Producers

Low levels of these may indicate dysbiosis or reduced anti-inflammatory capacity.

Prebiotic & Sugar Utilization

How your microbiome processes dietary fibers and sugars:

  • FOS Utilizers – FOS (fructooligosaccharides) are prebiotics. Utilization implies a beneficial microbial response to dietary fiber.
  • Lactose Utilizers – Indicates ability to ferment lactose; low levels may correlate with lactose intolerance.
  • Inositol Utilizers – Reflects how your gut metabolizes inositol, a sugar involved in cell signaling and mental health.
  • Arabinose Utilizers – Arabinose is a sugar found in plant fibers; utilization suggests fiber fermentation capacity.

Amino Acid & Sulfur Metabolism

  • Histidine Producers – Linked to histamine production, which can influence immune responses and gut permeability.
  • Cysteine Producers – May influence antioxidant levels (via glutathione synthesis).

Other Functional Indicators

  • TMAO Producers – TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) is linked to cardiovascular risk; high levels may be pro-inflammatory.
  • LPS Producers – Lipopolysaccharides are endotoxins; elevated production indicates gut barrier stress or inflammation.

Ratios & Diversity Metrics

  • F/B Ratio (Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes) – Helps assess gut dysbiosis. An imbalanced ratio may be linked to obesity, inflammation, or metabolic issues.
  • P/B Ratio (Proteobacteria/Bacteroidetes) – High Proteobacteria is often linked to dysbiosis or inflammation.

Clinical Utility

This test is particularly useful for patients with:

  • Digestive complaints (bloating, IBS, food sensitivities)
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Mood disorders (via gut-brain axis)
  • Fatigue or nutrient deficiencies
  • Metabolic issues or weight resistance

By identifying nutrient-producing imbalances and pro-inflammatory tendencies, practitioners can make personalized nutrition, probiotic, or supplement recommendations.