The BioArte gut test kit is the only test so far utilizing the 16s approach that can reach species level. The gut microbiota is the largest community of microorganisms in the human body that is unique to every one individual, just as a fingerprint. Many factors affect the gut microbiota such as nutrition, demographics, geography, lifestyle, gender, genetics, stress, etc. Understanding your gut microbiota gives you insights into your microbial self, and in return, will give you the opportunity to maintain and/or modulate towards balanced wellbeing.
The BioArte gut microbiota test is carried out from faecal samples and utilizes the sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of the bacteria in the samples to assess the composition of your gut microbiota. The 16S rRNA gene is found in every bacterium and the sequence of this gene allows us to distinguish different groups of bacteria. Our technique allows us to analyse your sample down to the species level, meaning that our reports reflect an even more precise picture of the state of your microbiota.
Additional tests & services:
Inflammatory test includes the testing of:
- Calprotectin – a substance that your body releases when there is inflammation in your intestine. It is a protein biomarker and high levels are associated with active inflammatory conditions.
- Gut acidity – acidity can be tested in order to diagnose a medical condition. The pH of human faeces is variable but normally is alkaline.
Permeability test includes the testing of:
- Zonulin – a protein that is synthesized by intestinal and liver cells. Having a titer above the upper limit usually corresponds with gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances (Leaky Gut Syndrome).
- Occludin – an enzyme important in tight junction stability and barrier function. Lower expression of occludin results in less stable tight junctions in epithelial cells, which are present in abundance within the gut lining. Due to this, it is tested with zonulin in order to assess whether a patient is suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome.
Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) test – a test used to check if the sample contains any microscopic traces of blood that are not visible to the naked eye. This test has diagnostic relevance as it acts as a screening test for some types of polyps and colon cancer, which when caught early can drastically improve treatment options.
Nutritional plan – Book a consultation with our nutritionist who will be able to provide you with a plan of action based on your results.
Sample: Stool
Price: various
For clients in Malta: this test can be paid & collected from any Brown’s pharmacy.
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Gut health test
€250.00 – €415.00
Timing for test results: 3 Weeks after the samples have been delivered to our diagnostic lab.
Evaluation of results: Recommendations & private consultation with our microbial expert OR evaluation via your own medical doctor.
Information that is found in the final report
Why we check only the 5 main Bacterial phyla
The amount of bacterial cells in the gut has been estimated at 1011 to 1013 per gram which makes the intestinal tract one of the most densely populated microbial habitats on earth. The gut microbiome encodes over 3 million genes producing thousands and thousands of metabolites.
The dominant gut microbial phyla are Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia, with the two phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes representing 90% of gut microbiota, followed by Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria. They are represented differently depending on the basis of age and geography.
In particular, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria represent the cornerstones of the intestinal ecosystem being involved in the 3 main physiological duties:
- Trophic
- Metabolic
- Immunological
A disbalance, or dysbiosis, of these phyla, can cause gut microbiota physiological variations followed by huge implications in intestinal and extra-intestinal disorders. This dysbiosis is often defined as an alteration of gut microbiota composition and a cause or a consequence of disorders. A chronic change of these fine and interconnected phyla abundances by external stimulation may be stressful and disruptive for this ecosystem.
Why we provide the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes
Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the two major and dominant bacterial phyla in human gut microbiota. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio, conventionally around 1) has been extensively examined in the past in human and mouse gut microbiota as a marker of weight gain or loss, but recent discoveries have associated F/B ratio to many metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. This ratio is influenced by diet and age. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio undergoes an increase from birth to adulthood and is further altered with advanced age. This ratio appears applicable in highlighting variations between infants, adults, and the elderly. It can be linked to overall changes in bacterial profiles at different stages of life.
F/B ratio can also be used to evaluate the metabolic absorption of the intestine, which can influence the intake of calories or a predisposition to lose or gain more calories, when the ratio is below or above 1, respectively. Of course, these measurements should be done longitudinally, and in particular useful to follow the trend of the gut microbiota during a slimming diet or the use of foods rich in sugar.
Why we analyse the Biodiversity
Microbial diversity (or Biodiversity) describes the number of different species of microbes present and their distribution in the gut. A reduction in diversity causes a microbial imbalance or dysbiosis. Gut microbial diversity generally decreases when people age, which is likely due to changes in physiology, diet, medication, and lifestyles. Decreased diversity is considered to be an indicator of an unhealthy microbiome, and it has been linked to different chronic conditions. Reduced microbial diversity has been in fact observed in various chronic health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease, type 1 and 2 diabetes, psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, allergies, and many immunological disorders.
The determination of microbial diversity involves sequencing data from 16S rRNA genes amplified from gut microbial samples which, with the use of computational analysis and dedicated software platforms, allows to determine the microbial diversity richness and the distance between bacterial clusters (Alpha or Beta-diversity analysis or other metrics are generally used).
Why we check for Pro and Anti-inflammatory strains
The gut microbiota plays a huge role in maintaining overall health (it is even connected to other organs such as; the brain, skin, oral, vaginal, respiratory tract, etc), particularly as it relates to inflammatory disease. According to the recent literature, the gut microbiome influences the balance of pro-and anti-inflammatory responses in our digestive system and throughout our immune system. In particular, the specific microbial clusters can influence the gut and other organs’ inflammatory responses.
We know now that there is an association between the gut microbiome in the promotion of inflammation. This can be triggered from animal-based food, processed food, grain-based foods, alcohol, and sugar can promote some diseases:
- heart disease
- inflammatory bowel diseases
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- rheumatoid arthritis
- diabetes
- gut, skin, and brain disturbances
That’s why it is important to know the bacteria that are able to protect from or promote inflammation, respectively. Recognize and identify “opportunistic” microbes that, after the intake of certain foods, can be also very relevant to avoid or decrease the inflammation processes.
Examples of bacteria that have links with inflammation are; Clostridium, Prevotella, Alistipes, etc. whose growth is also facilitated in individuals that consume a cluster of meats, french fries, mayonnaise, and soft drinks.
Examples of “friendly” bacteria having anti-inflammatory properties are; Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, etc. Their presence in the gut is related to a qualified Mediterranean diet.
When an imbalance occurs, it may influence a diverse range of inflammatory-mediated conditions.
Only scientific and international approved literature is considered for Microbiota testing with The BioArte
Many tests actually proposed by labs, pharmacies, etc, may not have a sufficient degree of scientific validity and therefore should be avoided. The only tests with a minimum of reliability are those that genetically analyze the microbiota (genomic map) by using skills, DNA sequencing tools, and bioinformatic interpretation of high proficiency. The interpretation of the Microbiota genetic map needs to be performed by a Clinical Microbiota Expert, which is of fundamental importance.
Prof. Lorenzo Drago, a Microbiota Expert, reports “Metagenomic analysis of microbiota is a big and complex screenshot of thousands of microbial genetic information. Before carrying out a test for the Microbiota, it must be realized that investigating in advance the healthy status of subjects or patients is mandatory. This is where it must start if we want to understand the correlation between the state of the microbiota in those subjects who suffering from any disturbance and the alterations of the intestinal bacterial flora. Many stages of research are at the beginning, but we can do a lot about the possibility of treating or preventing certain diseases through the manipulation of the microbiota. Using the right food, diet, prebiotics, and/or probiotics is not child’s play, but it requires high competence and specialization in the field. We should try do not to give false interpretations and expectations to the patient, but only aim towards presenting correct suggestions based on true scientific concepts and internationally accepted literature.”
