Our gut microbiome, also called the intestinal flora, consists of up to 100 trillion living microorganisms that live within the digestive tract, more precisely in the small intestine and the colon.
It includes fungi, bacteria and yeasts that are not pathogenic and that live in symbiosis with the rest of our body, each benefiting from the other’s benefits.
The intestinal flora is essential and plays multiple roles in the body:
- in digestion, by enabling the proper absorption and metabolism of dietary nutrients;
- for the synthesis of certain B-group vitamins, vitamin K, and three of the amino acids (valine, leucine, isoleucine);
- for the protection against pathogens by acting as a barrier and by informing the immune system about the differences between commensal and pathogenic microorganisms;
- dans la régulation de certaines voies métaboliques (acides gras, magnésium).
The gut microbiome is at the center of research regarding its link to disease. In the context of inflammatory bowel diseases, a imbalance of the flora has been observed and could be both a cause and a consequence of the disease.
It could potentially play a role in metabolic diseases, obesity, the development of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and cardiovascular risks.
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Quel est le but des tests de microbiote ?
Given the interest in the microbiome for health, many labs have launched kits that allow people to analyze their flora.
The purpose of microbiota testing is to analyze the composition of the gut flora which is represented by more than 1,000 different species.
This allows a comprehensive assessment to identify potential imbalances (depleted or enriched microbiota) that can cause discomfort and disease.
The results of this analysis enable the laboratory to provide personalized dietary advice to rebalance this microbiota.
How do microbiome tests work?
Laboratories use a stool sample that they analyze using DNA sequencing technologies to obtain the composition of the gut flora.
The relative abundances of the different species of bacteria are also reported.
How are the tests carried out in practice?
To perform these tests, you must purchase a kit on brand websites or directly at certain laboratories.
Once you receive the kit, you can collect a stool sample using the provided tools.
You must then send it back by mail (or directly to a partner laboratory) in an envelope containing your sample.
A few weeks later, you receive the analysis results of the bacterial populations that inhabit your gut flora, along with the average analysis for the reference population.
With this report, personalized advice is provided to best rebalance this microbiota.
Some brands offer the option to consult a partner practitioner to explain these analysis results.
How much does it cost?
Microbiota analyses are not yet recognized and therefore cannot be prescribed by a healthcare professional nor reimbursed.
Prices vary depending on the services. They start at around 100 euros but the majority of tests can be purchased in a range of 250 to 300 euros.
Who can take a microbiome test?
People with intestinal symptoms, or even diseases, as well as anyone curious about the health status of their microbiota may choose to undergo these tests.
Are they really useful?
Some studies have shown that the gut microbiota could serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic marker for a wide range of intestinal conditions and ailments.
However, larger-scale studies are needed to validate the usefulness of analyzing the intestinal flora.
Therefore, the tests currently sold cannot claim to assist in diagnosis or to help determine the best therapeutic approach.
However, the future of using the microbiota as a biomarker seems promising.
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