Gut microbiota test

WHAT IS IT?
The gut microbiota – also known as gut flora – is a real organ, made up of symbiotic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protists) that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. 80% of our immune system resides in it, it can weigh up to almost 1.5 kg, and its composition is unique in each individual, like fingerprints.

The role of a healthy microbiota is to preserve physiological and metabolic well-being, contributing to proper digestion, the success of nutritional and pharmacological therapies, and preventing the onset of obesity, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases, diverticulitis, colorectal cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies.

WHEN TO DO IT?
There are particular conditions in which this analysis can guide a targeted therapeutic approach: 

• • in the presence of intestinal symptoms such as irritable bowel, recurring diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, and intestinal discomfort, to develop successful therapeutic approaches; 
• • in cases of overweight or obesity, to support nutritional strategies for weight loss and the subsequent maintenance of healthy body weight;
  • during crucial stages of life, such as childhood and aging, during which maintaining a healthy microbiota can help prevent allergies and limit the effects of immunosenescence and inflammatory conditions typical of aging;
• • during pregnancy and breastfeeding, when maintaining a healthy microbial profile is important not only for one's own well-being, but also to support the development of a balanced microbiota in the newborn, which begins to develop from the maternal one; at the onset of menopause, when a healthy microbiota helps to better cope with the major metabolic and physiological changes that occur;
• • in cases of urogenital tract disorders, often recurring, such as cystitis, urethritis, vaginitis, and candida infections, to help resolve chronic infections and inflammations;
• • in athletes, for whom the metabolic efficiency of a balanced microbiota can be a valuable aid both in maintaining health and in improving athletic performance.

HOW IS IT DONE?
A stool sample is required, as for a simple chemical-physical or cultural test, using a dedicated KIT.

WHAT DO THE RESULTS SHOW?
Thanks to the most advanced bacterial DNA sequencing techniques (Next Generation Sequencing) extracted from the fecal material, it is now possible to obtain a complete and reliable identification of the gut microbiota. In addition to identifying the bacterial species present, we are also able to assess the overall health of the microbiota (or dysbiosis), its efficiency in producing certain beneficial or harmful substances, the adequacy of the microbiota in fulfilling its fundamental functions, as well as its predisposition to inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic disorders, and aging. This results in an impressive amount of data – a true identity card of the microbiota, the Microbiopassport®.

HOW LONG FOR RESULTS?
The results of the sequencing and the subsequent bioinformatic and statistical analysis of the Microbiopassport® data are available approximately 30 days after sampling.