Bacterial Balance |
| Alpha Diversity | The diversity of microbial species within a sample. A higher alpha diversity score indicates greater species richness and evenness (a healthier sample) |
| Top 5 Taxa | A list of the top 5 most abundant taxa within your gut microbiome. |
| Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio | A higher ratio is associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. A lower ratio is associated with a healthier metabolic profile and reduced risk of chronic diseases |
| Prevotella/Bacteroides Ratio | A higher ratio may be associated with improved glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as a reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. A lower ratio has been associated with a higher risk of obesity and metabolic disorders |
Cardiovascular Toxin Producers |
| Lipopolysaccharides | Are in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria and are highly inflammatory. Elevations have been associated with higher risk of CVD. |
| Trimethylamine (TMA) | Is produced by gut bacteria from dietary precursors and is modified to Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) in the liver which is strongly associated with CVD. |
Short Chain Fatty Acid Production |
| Butyrate producers | Play an integral role in maintaining digestive health by regulating gene expression, gut tissue development, immune modulation, and oxidative stress reduction |
| Propionate producers | Have a significantly positive impact on the immune system, including improving lung health and increasing resistance to infection |
| Acetate producers | Is utilized for cholesterol synthesis and lipogenesis. Excessive production with insufficient butyrate production can lead to fat gain, particularly around the liver. |
Sugar Utilization |
| FOS utilizers | Bacteria that utilize FOS can be helpful in weight loss and correcting constipation. |
| Arabinose utilizers | Bacteria that utilize arabinose can be helpful with blood sugar balancing and metabolic syndrome. |
| Inositol utilizers | Inositol can be beneficial for metabolic syndrome, lipid imbalances, insulin resistance. |
| Lactose utilizers | Lactose intolerance is a common medical problem. Colonic bacterial adaptation can significantly improve symptoms of intolerance. |
Vitamin Production |
| Thiamine (B1) | Plays a critical role in energy metabolism, particularly in the brain and nervous system, as well as in the growth and function of cells. |
| Riboflavin (B2) | Component of two important coenzymes required for energy production and fatty acid metabolism, as well as metabolism of drugs and steroids. |
| Niacin (B3) | Required for the coenzyme NAD, which is involved in more than 400 enzymatic reactions in the body. NAD works to convert food into energy for our cells. |
| Pantothenate (B5) | Plays a major role in energy production, particularly the breakdown of fatty acids. It may play a role in reducing lipid production in certain individuals. |
| Pyridoxine (B6) | Required for coenzymes that play a role in enzymatic reactions mostly concerning protein metabolism, immune function, and brain development during pregnancy. |
| Biotin (B7) | Plays a role in energy production, histone modi?cation, gene regulation, and cell signaling. Signs of de?ciency include skin rashes, hair loss, and brittle nails. |
| Folate (B9) | Required to synthesize DNA, metabolize amino acids, enable methylation, and prevent anemia, as well as protect against neural tube defects in pregnancy. |
| Cobalamin (B12) | Important in synthesizing DNA and red blood cells, brain and nervous system function, and metabolism. It is required to prevent magaloblastic anemia. |
Amino Acid Production |
| Cysteine producers | Beneficial as an antioxidant, assists with collagen formation, and immune system regulation. |
| Trytophan producers | Is important in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, particularly depression, and intestinal barrier integrity. |
| Histidine producers | Histidine and its derivatives have important roles in the immune response, blood clotting pathways, and detoxi?cation. |
Area of Focus |
| Nutrition | Personalized food lists that contain a high amount of the nutrients that are needed to drive the patients underrepresented bacteria. |
| Supplements | Contains personalized nutrients that also drive the patients underrepresented bacteria. |
