Test Code 952
Test Details
GI Balance
Incorporate gastrointestinal health in cardiovascular care with the GI Balance test. It provides a comprehensive picture of your gut microbiome by assessing the metabolic pathways and physiological properties that rely on the gut microbiome to thrive. The information provided in the report helps one to understand the health of the microbiome and which specific nutrients are needed to optimize the gut microbiome on an individual level.
Methodology
Genetic Sequencing
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
Stool
Alternate Specimen
None
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature
Stability
>2 years at room temperature.
Lab Values
GI Balance
| BIOMARKER | Normal Range |
|---|---|
Bacterial Balance |
|
| Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio | 0.5 - 3.9 |
| Prevotella/Bacteroides Ratio | 0.0 - 6.9 |
Cardiovascular Toxin Producers |
|
| Lipopolysaccharides | 14.5 - 84.8% |
| Trimethylamine (TMA) | 0.5 - 8.6% |
Short Chain Fatty Acid Production | 8.2 - 55.2% |
| Butyrate producers | 8.2 - 55.2% |
| Propionate producers | 11.7 - 76.6% |
| Acetate producers | 51.8 - 96.9% |
Sugar Utilization |
|
| FOS utilizers | 20.6 - 82.4% |
| Arabinose utilizers | 9.2 - 53.7% |
| Inositol utilizers | 1.7 - 16.2% |
| Lactose utilizers | 14.0 - 71.6% |
Vitamin Production |
|
| Thiamine (B1) | 32.2 - 86.1% |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 56.5 - 93.4% |
| Niacin (B3) | 48.3 - 92.4% |
| Pantothenate (B5) | 28.9 - 87.3% |
| Pyridoxine (B6) | 41.6 - 89.7% |
| Biotin (B7) | 6.8 - 67.6% |
| Folate (B9) | 44.5 - 92.6% |
| Cobalamin (B12) | 16.5 - 79.1% |
Amino Acid Production |
|
| Cysteine producers | 71.8 - 98.5% |
| Trytophan producers | 45.4 - 90.2% |
| Histidine producers | 61.4 - 97.2% |
Clinical Significance
GI Balance
Biomarker Categories
- Bacterial Balance A proper balance in the microbiome is important to gut health
- Cardiovascular Toxin Producers: The gut microbiome plays a key role in heart health with toxins created by bacteria being associated with increased risk for CVD.
- Short Chain Fatty Acid (SCFA) Producers: Robust levels of SCFAs have been associated with lower blood pressure, decreased risk of stroke, lower rates of metabolic syndrome and reduced inflammation.
- Sugar Utilizers: Sugars act as prebiotics for gut bacteria, which can be used to promote or suppress parts of the bacterial gut community.
- Vitamin Producers: B Vitamins are precursors of nearly all metabolic coenzymes essential for normal metabolism.
- Amino Acid Producers: Recent research has shown that certain bacteria in the gut microbiome are capable of producing some amino acids, such as histidine, tryptophan, and cysteine.
| BIOMARKER | BIOMARKER DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
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. |
Treatment Options
GI Balance
The treatment goal is to increase the underrepresented good bacteria in your gut by increasing specific nutrients in the diet. The GI Balance report will contain an individualized food list that includes foods with a high amount of the nutrients needed to drive the individuals underrepresented bacteria, as well as supplements that contain these nutrients.
