THE SCIENCE

Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome is a diverse community of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract and play an important role in digestion, immune function and overall health.

What is your gut microbiome?

Your gut microbiome is a complex community of trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, that live in your digestive tract. These microorganisms play a crucial role in digestion, immunity and even mental health. A balanced microbiome supports healthy digestion, strengthens your immune system, impacts mood and energy levels, and also lowers the risk of developing certain conditions. The gut microbiome has been closely linked with conditions such as IBS [1] and autism [2], with research into others ongoing.

What is a gut microbiome test?

A gut microbiome test provides an in-depth analysis of the microorganisms living in your gut, which plays a crucial role in your overall health. Your gut microbiome is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes that influence not only your digestion but also your mental health, immune system and risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

The health of your gut microbiome is influenced by factors such as diet, stress and lifestyle, and an imbalance in this system can lead to health issues. A microbiome test helps identify these imbalances and offers personalised recommendations to support a healthier gut and overall well-being.

How can you test your gut microbiome?

There are a number of different ways that testing assesses your gut microbiome. Below are three different analysis techniques that can be used, including the type that Vivere uses, Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing.

Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing

Vivere uses a type of advanced testing called Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing to analyse your gut microbiome.

This method looks at all the genetic material in your stool sample, allowing us to identify not just bacteria, but also fungi, viruses and other microbes in great detail [3]. This approach gives a full picture of your gut's health and how it functions. Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing means you get deeper, more meaningful insight compared to traditional microbiome tests.

16S rRNA Sequencing

16S rRNA Sequencing is a common method that focuses on one particular gene found in bacteria – the 16S rRNA gene [4]. This test identifies the main types of bacteria in your gut and gives an overview of their abundance. It’s useful for spotting dominant bacterial groups, however, it doesn’t offer detailed insights at species level and can miss other types of microbes like fungi or viruses.

qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction)

qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a targeted testing method used to detect specific microbes. It’s effective when you're searching for certain bacteria, even in tiny amounts [5]. However, because it only looks for what it’s programmed to find, it doesn’t give a complete picture of all the microbes in your gut and isn’t suitable for broader microbiome analysis.

What does a gut microbiome test look for?

Our gut microbiome test analyses the composition of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes in your gut. It looks for imbalances in the types and quantities of beneficial and harmful microorganisms that may be affecting your digestive health, immune function, or contributing to inflammation and other symptoms [6].

At Vivere we use Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing, an advanced method that examines all the genetic material in your stool sample. This enables us to detect a broader range of microbes, providing you with a more comprehensive understanding of your gut's health. Based on these results, we offer personalised recommendations to help improve your gut microbiome and overall health.

By using deep learning, a type of advanced artificial intelligence, scientists can now detect more complex patterns in gut bacteria that may signal early signs of illness. This allows for more accurate wellness scores and personalised health advice based on your unique microbial profile from your gut test. While this technology continues to be refined and validated across diverse groups, it represents a promising step towards truly personalised and preventive healthcare [7].

Can you improve your gut microbiome?

Yes, your gut microbiome can be improved through a combination of lifestyle and diet changes. A Vivere membership provides you with the tools to improve your gut health. By signing up to Vivere, you will get access to:

Your full results, explained: View your gut microbiome age, diversity and wellness scores in one easy-to-use dashboard.
Tailored food and nutrition insights: Discover which foods are helping or hindering your gut. We have rated over 300 whole foods to how your body responds to them.
Bespoke meal and recipe suggestions: Access practical, delicious meal ideas using the foods your gut loves most.
Supplement guidance: Receive expert-backed supplement suggestions based on your microbial profile, targeting areas like inflammation, digestion, immunity and more.
In-depth wellness scores: Explore how your gut may be affecting everything from sleep and energy to fat and carbohydrate metabolism.
Access to real nutrition experts: Depending on your membership tier, you’ll receive one-on-one consultations with a dedicated Vivere nutritionist to help interpret your results and develop a practical plan for your goals.
Exclusive content and updates: Stay informed with the latest research, wellness strategies and biohacking insights, all curated by us.