Inside your myBIOME report
Learn about your microbiome’s diversity levels, which gut bugs are present and what they can do. Get evidence-based ratings on your gut’s potential to produce vitamins and other important substances. Discover where you sit on the gut health spectrum and learn how to promote the growth of friendly bacteria.
The intestinal microbiome is the collection of microorganisms and their genetic composition that live in our intestine. It is estimated that it is made up of about 100 trillion microorganisms that participate in numerous functions important for human health. The microbiome consists mainly of bacteria but also includes viruses, archaea, yeasts, moulds and protists. It is important to emphasize that the intestinal microbiome plays a fundamental role in health and that and estimated 90% of diseases are related to imbalances in the intestinal microbiome. Gut microbiome tests identify possible imbalances in the microorganisms that inhabit our intestine and some tests, such as myBIOME, also provide personalized nutritional recommendations to balance the intestinal microbiome and improve our health.
Scientific evidences show that an increasing number of diseases are associated with changes to the gut microbiome, and individuals with disease show significantly different gut microbiota profiles compared to healthy individuals. It is important to remember that many of these associations are correlations only - each disease is still being studied to establish if the disease causes changes in the gut microbiome, or if a change in the gut microbiome causes the disease.
Examples of some diseases related to gut microbiome disorders are:
- Inflammatory Diseases of the Bowel
- Metabolic diseases
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Mental health disorders
It is important to highlight that while intense research is being carried out to find out what is the relationship of the microbiota with these diseases, a healthy microbiota is related with overall health.
You can test your microbiota by having a SYNLAB myBIOME test done. Find out your nearest SYNLAB laboratory in your area by our “Find your SYNLAB Center” button.
myBIOME is a metagenomic sequencing test that allows an in-depth, objective and actionable study of the gut microbiome, providing detailed information on the microorganisms that inhabit the gut and their functionality, the impact they have on health and how to achieve a balance through personalized nutritional recommendations.
In the myBIOME report, you will find information about
MICROBIAL DIVERSITY: Health indicator that reflects the different types and quantity of microorganisms that make up our gut microbiota. A high microbial diversity or within the normal range is associated with good health.
SPECIES OF INTEREST: Identification of potentially beneficial or pathogenic bacterial species with connections to human health.
DIGESTION POTENTIAL: The potential of the gut microbiome to digest compounds such as fiber, protein and intestinal mucus, which coats our gut and protects us from harmful agents.
SAMPLE COMPOSITION: myBIOME provides information on the percentage of the main groups of microorganisms inhabiting the gut (bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes (fungi, yeasts and parasites)), as well as novel (not-yet-nidentified) DNA and human DNA contained in the sample. In heathly people, most of the DNA in a stool sample comes from microorganisms (~99%), while only a small amount (~1%) corresponds to human DNA. A percentage higher than 4% of human DNA can be an indirect marker of intestinal inflammation.
MICROBIAL FUNCTIONS:myBIOME analyses the genomes of all microbes in your sample, and by identifying which functional genes are present in each organism, your microbiome’s metabolic potential to produce or consume compounds (metabolites) is reported. These metabolites are involved in the development of certain diseases or associated with beneficial health effects that may be key in the prevention of these diseases (including health indicators like dimethylamine and lipopolysaccharide, neuroendocrine compounds like GABA and histamine, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) like butyrate and propionate, and vitamins like folate).
NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS: The myBIOME report includes personalized nutritional recommendations based on your individual results, allowing you to adjust your diet to suit your individual microbiome’s requirements. You can filter the food suggestions by any food allergies or intolerances to generate a list of foods that contain prebiotic fibre that will nourish the growth of beneficial microbes in your gut.
myBIOME is a comprehensive analysis of all the microorganisms that inhabit your gut (referred to as the microbiome). It uses whole-genome “shotgun” metagenomics, the most reproducible and comprehensive DNA sequencing method available, where all the DNA from the different microorganisms in your sample are sequenced. This allows the identification and quantification of not just bacteria, but all microorganisms present, including archaea and yeast/fungi. Additionally, myBIOME will also identify what these microorganisms are doing and thus, how they are influencing your health.
myBIOME generates an information report. It is not a diagnostic tool, and any indications it gives about a potential disease state should be followed up with appropriate tests through accredited health care providers. It will not give you information about intolerances, how your digestive system works, status of your immune system or how it interacts with your microbiota or any information about autoimmune or oncologic diseases. Any information provided by us (including any information contained on our website or in any microbiome report) is for information purposes only. Such information is not medical advice and must not be taken to be substitutes for a consultation with your healthcare professional or doctor. It is not intended to diagnose conditions nor prescribe the use of any remedy, diet or lifestyle practice. Any concern related to your health should be treated with your healthcare professional or doctor.
myBIOME will identify whether there is a disequilibrium in your microbiome that could be influencing negatively your health. myBIOME will also identify possible metabolites that, when found out of range, could predispose you to health conditions. Your practitioner will help you to understand your results and will provide you with a personalized treatment based on myBIOME diet recommendations, lifestyle suggestions and specific dietary proposals aimed at improving your microbiome and therefore your health and wellbeing.
Metagenomic sequencing also named whole genome or shotgun sequencing is the technique used by myBIOME. It is a comprehensive and the most effective way to provide a complete picture of the microorganisms within the gut and their functional potential.
For patients
Find here the technical information and advantages of myBIOME test
Your gut microbiome has the potential to influence your overall health. Understanding your gut microbiome provides important insights which can better inform your lifestyle choices. Click here to download the brochure.