At-home gut microbiome tests grow in popularity, but experts say they’re limited

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Transcript

00:00They're becoming a trend when it comes to medical tests,

00:02but is it worth the price for a home kit to test your gut health?

00:08The gut microbiome is like a living ecosystem

00:12that is composed of trillions of bacteria

00:16plus additional fungi and viruses that are living in our gut.

00:20A test that was once done in a doctor's office can now be done at home.

00:24However, the gut microbiome test can cost up to $500.

00:27Currently, the commercially available gut microbiome test

00:32is doing a great job in terms of telling you

00:35the general diversity of gut microbes in your GI tract.

00:39Research shows a healthy gut microbiome may play a role

00:42in preventing things like liver disease and diabetes

00:45and could even influence mental health.

00:47However, microbiologists warn these tests have their limits.

00:51It will take much larger studies

00:54and much more rigorous designed clinical trials

00:58in order to figure out all of the mechanisms

01:00and the specific gut microbiome intervention plans

01:04that can be tailored to individuals.

01:07Dr. Fang says be aware.

01:09Many of the companies offering the tests cannot treat symptoms.

01:12What they will do is offer supplements for sale.

01:15Fang says use the basic information and go from there.

01:17To improve gut health, doctors generally suggest

01:20to start from your dietary practice

01:22because the common suggestions from doctors

01:26are always like increase the diversity of your food

01:28and increase the plant-based food.

01:32And like any other medical change,

01:34make sure to touch base with your doctor.

01:36For Straight Arrow News, I'm Jack Henry.

01:38We'll see you next time.

01:42We'll see you next time.