We Tried It: Do These At-Home Microbiome Tests Really Work?
Poor gut health won't just have a negative impact impact on the digestive system1. It's been linked to skin issues, mood disorders, negative emotions, diabetes, and even cancers2.
What we eat and drink, our daily movement, sleep quality, and stress levels can all impact our gut microbes and digestion—but how can you really know what's going on?
The best at-home microbiome tests promise to provide insights into the state of your current gut health–and we asked
Learning about your gut microbiome gives you insight into your overall health and well-being. To help you take your health to the next level, we spoke with experts and analyzed today’s at-home testing options, to find the best microbiome tests available right now.
- Most comprehensive microbiome test: Viome Full Body Intelligence
- Best follow-up care microbiome test: Biohm
- Best budget microbiome test: Ombre
What is a gut microbiome test?
To put it simply, a gut microbiome test is a tool designed to help people better understand the composition of their gut microbiome. The process typically involves collecting a small sample of stool and sending it to a specialized lab for analysis.
There are several methods available for assessing one's gut microbiome, ranging from DNA sequencing to RNA analysis and metabolic profiling.
By examining the genetic material, microbial diversity, and metabolic activity within the gut, these tests claim to reveal information about an individual's digestive health or potential imbalances.
Are gut health tests legit?
Gut microbiomes are tested using fecal matter. Certain at-home microbiome tests analyze only bacteria, while other, more comprehensive tests include bacteria, fungi, bacteriophages, viruses, parasites, and archaea.
As with all non-diagnostic testing, it's important to discuss results with a healthcare provider, since at-home tests don’t take into account family history, lifestyle, diet, etc to determine the cause of any symptoms.
Equally important? Understanding that a single sample is unlikely to capture the full picture. Your gut microbiome is rapidly evolving based on a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and even age.
Our gastrointestinal tract also includes trillions of microbes, many of which a single test may be unlikely to track all these microorganisms, let alone identify them. Medical professionals already struggle to accurately treat the gut due to its ever-changing nature—and gut health tests have even less knowledge about your medical history.
Not only are these tests not FDA-approved (and not considered diagnostic) a recent study found that most gut health tests provide vastly different results3, highlighting the lack of standardization across gut health tests.
- Collection method
- Stool, blood, saliva
- Biomarkers checked
- Microbial RNA to identify bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, and mold, as well as human, bacterial, and microbial functions
- Results time
- 2 to 3 weeks
- Coverage
- Insurance not accepted
- Most comprehensive tests for multiple biomarkers
- Quick turnaround
- Clear & concise results with recommendations
- No follow-up with a medical professional offered
Overview
Overview
Viome offers three options of at-home tests for gut health, including one that evaluates cellular and oral health with the help of blood and saliva samples.
Although Viome requires a stool sample like other at-home options, it uses mRNA, rather than DNA, to test your gut microbiome from this sample.
This testing format allows for a more detailed report, providing insights on your gut lining health, gas production, digestive processes, and immune response. Plus, the brand also collects blood and saliva samples to get a more in-depth look at your body's full health.
Once you've sent in your samples, it'll take about 2 to 3 weeks to receive results in a secure app. These results will outline your digestive deficiencies, as well as post-test recommendations for helping your gut.
However, there's no medical follow-up, so we recommend touching base with your primary care physician before making any changes to your routine—including subscribing to the brand's recommended probiotics.
Want to know more? Check out our full review of Viome's Intelligence Test, from a registered nurse.
- Collection method
- Stool sample
- Result time
- 3 to 4 weeks
- Coverage
- Not covered by health insurance, you may use HSA or FSA account to purchase
- Biomarkers checked
- Bacteria, fungi
Overview
Overview
Biohm is a great option for those who want a more comprehensive understanding of their test results.
When you send in your stool sample you'll have two options to view your results: a $130 test with written results and recommendations (similar to other brands) and a $180 option with a live consultation for results.
The latter allows you to ask clarifying questions and gain further insight into what your biomarker readings actually mean.
With your results, you’ll be given a gut health score of 1 to 10. Although uncomplicated and simple, it may not provide enough detail for some—which makes the live consultation even more valuable.
Like most brands, Biohm uses DNA to test for biomarkers. Just know that dead microorganisms can leave behind traces of DNA, which can be picked up by the testing method and can skew the results.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Tests two biomarkers
- Offers a live consultation to review results
- Uses DNA to test
- Longest estimated wait time for results (but still less than a month)
Image by mbg creative
- Collection method
- Stool sample
- Result time
- 2 to 3 weeks
- Coverage
- Not covered by health insurance, you may use HSA or FSA account to purchase
- Biomarkers checked
- Bacteria
Overview
Overview
Ombre is the least expensive option on our list, but the smaller price tag comes with less robust testing capabilities. The at-home test only evaluates your stool sample for bacteria, and the final report shared with users will only include the statistically significant results.
For an additional $10, you can purchase additional reports for further insights rather than receiving an update on outliers.
During normal business hours, you can also access the brand's helpline with any questions or concerns about your test or results. However, this does not include access to medical support.
Pros & cons
Pros & cons
- Accessible helpline
- Subscribe & save option
- Only tests for bacteria
- Charges extra $$$ for a comprehensive result
Comparing the best microbiome tests
How we picked the best at-home microbiome tests
- Biomarkers tested: There is a vast range of what at-home tests include, so we made sure to point out these differences.
- Turnaround time: Stool samples inherently take longer than blood samples, but some brands are much quicker to return results than others. We’ve called this out below.
- Value: You get what you pay for. We want to make sure you are spending wisely and getting the most out of your test.
What is the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome is the collective term used to refer to all the microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the intestines—affectionately known as the “gut.” In healthy digestive systems, all the microbes live in harmony, a pretty impressive feat considering there are over 100 trillion types of bacteria in the gut.
However, any disruption to this delicate balance of good and bad bacteria can cause several harmful conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, atherosclerosis, obesity, and metabolic disorders.
Extensive studies show that a healthy microbiome looks different for everyone. Michael Njunge, a health and performance enthusiast and medical doctor in the U.K., compares the gut microbiome to your unique fingerprint.
Each person’s gut microbiome will have different components to accommodate regional diversity. Further, your unique dynamic gut flora demands will be based on specific environmental forces. What is considered a healthy gut one year may change the next.
Njunge encourages consumers to think of the gut microbiome as a pivotal piece of your health, adding that, “If you take care of it, it will take care of you.”
How to know if you have gut health issues
If you have been experiencing any digestive discomfort, it could be a sign something if off with your gut health.
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Gas
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Weight fluctuations
- Skin issues
- Mood disorders
Njunge advises discussing your symptoms with your healthcare provider, explaining that there may be helpful clues in your history and physical examination that could lead to the need for more specialized testing.
Keep in mind, if you have recently finished a medication known to impact the gut biome, such as antibiotics, Njunge says it is wise to ask your doctor about those potential effects.
Anyone experiencing severe digestive symptoms should consult with a medical professional. At-home tests are not a source of diagnostic testing and are not a replacement for traditional medical care.
If you do opt for an at-home test, it's also important to be able to analyze the results with your doctor, to better understand what's going on and how to treat any abnormalities.
Never start a new supplementation routine—especially one based off your gut microbiome tests—without connecting with a healthcare professional.
When is the best time to test for microbiomes?
Gut microbiome tests use a sample of stool. Due to these circumstances, it’s unlikely consumers can schedule their collection time. Fortunately, there is no consensus on the best time of day to test your gut microbiome. However, to get the most accurate results possible, Njunge suggests being mindful of the following:
- Take the test during a week that your diet is as near to normal as possible. You will not want to perform the test while you are outside your regular schedule as your diet may alter your biome and not be a true representation.
- Avoid taking the test when you are also taking medications or supplements that affect your microbiome, such as antibiotics or probiotics, as these will shift your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover microbiome testing?
No, microbiome testing is not covered by insurance companies at this time. However, most at-home tests can be purchased with an HSA or FSA account. We recommend checking with your account carrier to confirm that at-home tests are considered a medical expense per their regulations.
Is there a test to check gut health?
Yes, there are convenient at-home tests requiring a small stool sample to give you insight into your gut health. The tests use DNA or mRNA from bacteria and other biomarkers, sharing results about the balance of intestinal flora.
Which microbiome test is best?
Best is subjective, but our recommendation for the best value as well as the most comprehensive at-home test is Viome. It is the only brand that tests bacteria and fungi in addition to other biomarkers. Its turnaround time is comparable to others, and they have technologically advanced testing methods. Viome provides the most thorough testing and result explanations, and that is why we would recommend it as the best.
The takeaway
We are learning more and more that gut health is directly related to your overall well-being. Making sure your gut microbiome is in optimal condition can alleviate digestive problems, improve mental health, and defend your body from disease.
An at-home gut microbiome test gives a snapshot of how the delicate balance of biomarkers is affecting the rest of your body. To get a full picture of your gut health, we recommend using a test that includes the most amount of biomarkers.
While you’re thinking of optimizing your gut health, take these natural practices into consideration.
What we've updated since publishing
3/1/23: We added original imagery from our testers.