MyBiome microbiota test

What is myBIOME?

myBIOME is a metagenomic sequencing-based test that allows detailed, objective, and practical examination of the gut microbiome, providing comprehensive information about the microorganisms living in the intestine and their functionality, impact on health, and ways to balance the microbiome through personalized dietary recommendations.

Scientific Evidence

myBIOME analyzes the gut microbiome using metagenomic sequencing. By applying NGS technology (Next Generation Sequencing), the genetic material (DNA) of entire microbial communities living in the gut is sequenced, allowing the study of collective genomes and obtaining the sequences of all microorganisms forming the gut ecosystem.

Advantages of myBIOME 

The gut microbiota analysis based on metagenomic sequencing has various advantages compared to analyses based on 16S gene sequencing or RT-PCR (culture).

Metagenomic strategy

Traditional bacterial population analysis is performed by amplifying the ribosomal 16S rRNA gene (16S rRNA), which is based on the amplification of hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene using primers that amplify this fragment in most bacteria present in the sample. Although this method is highly refined, it cannot detect microorganisms that have changed at the primer annealing site⁽¹⁾, making these bacteria technically "invisible" and unexamined⁽²⁾.

Besides this limitation, the 16S rRNA gene constitutes only a small part of the entire bacterial genome, making any analysis beyond phylogenetic classification challenging. 

Compared to traditional microbiota tests based on 16S rRNA analysis, myBIOME allows detecting all microbial genes present in the sample using the metagenomic sequencing determination method, avoiding amplification bias and enabling comprehensive sampling of the genes present in organisms⁽³⁾. This strategy provides a comprehensive analysis and information not only on the entire bacterial community at the taxonomic species and strain level, but also other microorganisms detected in the sample, such as fungi, archaea, yeasts, and parasites.

Metagenomics allows not only identifying but also describing and quantitatively evaluating functional genes that provide information about the functions of microorganisms present in the sample.

myBIOME CAN REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT:

• MICROBIAL DIVERSITY. Determined using the Shannon index - a measure of diversity used by members of the scientific community to compare results over time, and reflects the types and numbers of different bacterial species composing our gut microbiota, where a high microbial diversity within normal limits is associated with good health. A diverse diet rich in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts can help increase this diversity. 
• IMPORTANT SPECIES. Scientifically based identification of potentially beneficial or pathogenic bacteria. 
• DIGESTION CAPABILITIES. The analysis provides information on the ability to digest components such as fibers and proteins.
• SAMPLE COMPOSITION. The majority of DNA found in stool (~99%) belongs to microorganisms, while only a small portion (~1%) is human DNA. myBIOME allows learning about the main groups of microorganisms living in the gut (bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes (fungi and parasites)) and the percentage of newly (unidentified) and human DNA present in the sample. If human DNA exceeds 4%, it could be an indirect marker of intestinal inflammation.
• MICROBIAL METABOLITES. Functional bacterial genes are quantitatively evaluated to discover the metabolic system's ability to produce or consume metabolites associated with the development of certain diseases or metabolites linked to a positive impact on health. Metabolites that may play a significant role in preventing diseases (health indicators, neuroendocrine metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and vitamins) are identified based on functional genes.
• EUKARYOTIC MICROORGANISMS. Information is provided about detected health-important fungi, archaea, yeasts, and parasites.
• RECOMMENDED DIET. The report includes personalized dietary recommendations based on the obtained results.

Metagenomic sequencing and the conclusions offered by this advanced technology allow using myBIOME as a reference gut microbiota test, providing a detailed differentiation and characterization of the microorganisms forming the gut and helping to create dietary recommendations that ensure a healthy balance.

PREPARATION FOR THE TEST

1. 6 weeks before sample collection, do not use antibiotics, antifungal drugs, or immunosuppressants.
2. If you have undergone radiotherapy or chemotherapy, you must wait at least 6 weeks before taking the sample.
3. 2 weeks before taking the sample maintain daily habits to know your usual microbiome.
4. A special tube is required for the test, which will be provided by our staff: do not open the tube, until you are ready to take the sample.
5. Take a normal stool sample.
6. Store the sample at room temperature.

Test completion time is 6 - 9 weeks.

To view the MyBiome microbiota test response form, click here.