Gut microbiome tests analyze a sample of your stool to find out which bacteria, archaea, and fungi are living in your intestines. They also identify microbial genes and their functions.

This type of analysis, which is sometimes referred to as profiling or fingerprinting, is not useful in diagnosing diseases. But it may help your doctor prescribe a diet that will encourage the growth of beneficial microbes and discourage unhealthy ones.

What is a microbiome test?

A microbiome test measures the types and numbers of bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi in your gastrointestinal tract. You can take a gut microbiome test at home or through a doctor. These tests use a sample of your stool to find out what kind of microbes are living there.

A variety of at-home microbiome testing companies are now available, with many of them claiming to diagnose food sensitivities and other chronic digestive issues. However, a number of experts point out that these tests can be misleading.

For example, some of these tests only look for certain types of bacteria and ignore other types of organisms in the stool. Moreover, there is limited consensus among microbiologists about what defines a healthy gut microbiome. This confusion makes it difficult to interpret the results of these tests. Even worse, some companies create their own oversimplified scoring systems that aren't backed by any medical science. This can lead to misguided treatments and unfounded claims of success.

Why do I need a microbiome test?

A gut microbiome test can reveal a lot of information about your intestinal bacteria, and it's an exciting area of ​​science that has promising applications for gastrointestinal health. However, it's important to remember that the knowledge we have about gut microbes is still relatively new.

A well-balanced gut microbiome consists of many different types of bacteria that work together to optimize digestion, fight off infections and support the body's hormone production. These bacteria also compete with unhelpful types for real estate and nutrients, preventing them from taking over your digestive system and causing inflammation.

Most gut microbiome tests require you to collect a sample of your stool, usually using a kit that includes a scooper or a swab. The company then analyzes the bacteria and sends you a report. Some companies, like Ombre (formerly Thryve), also offer personalized dietary and probiotic recommendations. They claim their recommendations can boost mood, prevent weight gain and facilitate smooth digestion.

What do I get from a microbiome test?

Gut microbiome tests are fecal tests that analyze the types and amounts of bacteria in your stool. Researchers have found that certain types of bacteria are linked to certain health indicators, including a lower risk of obesity and improved digestive function.

Several companies sell at-home kits for gut microbiome testing. The kits usually contain instructions on how to collect a sample using a spoon or a swab, which you then mail back to the company. The companies then analyze the samples and provide you with a report that lists your levels of various kinds of bacteria.

The kits aren't designed to diagnose any specific diseases, but they can be useful for identifying food preferences that may be linked to your digestive symptoms. For example, some companies provide you with a list of foods that have high levels of prebiotic fibers. These are the kinds of foods that are good fuel for probiotics, and many people find that these help reduce their GI symptoms.

How do I get a microbiome test?

Many gut microbiome testing companies offer a take-home kit that instructs you to collect stool samples over three days. They then analyze these samples to determine which types of bacteria, signs of bacterial infections and other inflammatory markers are present.

The tests differ in what they report, but most offer a summary of your overall gut health. Some also provide a breakdown of the individual classes or species of microorganisms in your gut, as well as a comparison to the average or normal levels for the broader population.

The latest at-home tests, such as uBiome and Evelo Bio, offer a more granular analysis down to the strain level. They're more expensive but claim to reveal dietary recommendations that will boost mood, prevent weight gain and improve digestion.