| Taxonomic level | Example bacterium | Example human |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Bacteria | Animalia |
| Phylum (Division) | Firmicutes | Chordata |
| Class | Clostridia | Mammalia |
| Order | Clostridiales | Primates |
| Family | Ruminococcaceae | Hominidae |
| Genus | Faecalibacterium | Homo |
| Species | Faecalibacterium prausnitzii | Homo Sapiens |
Your score
Your diversity score requires attention.
You score lower than most healthy individuals. See below the scores for species distribution and richness. Follow the tips to improve these scores (if you have complaints).
The species distribution is equal to the ratio of all different bacterial species in your intestines (1). The more even the ratio, the more balanced your microbiome is. Your score will be higher.
Good job! Your species distribution is balanced.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain your species distribution.
Your species richness score requires attention.
You score lower than most healthy individuals. There may indeed be many different bacterial species living in your microbiome, but due to their low quantity per species, the test has picked up only a few species. You can stimulate the growth of these bacteria: see the results and tips below (if you have complaints).
During the breakdown of dietary fiber in the large intestine (fermentation), energy-producing bacteria produce important substances called short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs are important for many different gut bacteria and organs. The SCFAs in question are butyrate, propionate, and acetate (1).
There are different gut bacteria that produce one or more of these fatty acids. Each of these fatty acids has a different important function for our body. Below you can see your scores for butyrate- and propionate-producing bacteria. Please review this information carefully. In this report, we will not further discuss the production of acetate, as almost all gut bacteria produce acetate.
Good job! Your score for energy-producing bacteria is good. This indicates that your microbiota contains enough gut bacteria that produce SCFAs.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain energy production.
Good job! Your score for butyrate-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
These gut bacteria produce propionate, an important substance that regulates sugar metabolism and influences appetite (1).
You're on the right track with your score for propionate-producing bacteria, but it can be improved.
You score lower than most healthy individuals: a propionate deficiency can disturb several body processes. See the tips and explanation below to improve this score.
Bacteria are not so much 'good' or 'bad', but rather 'beneficial' or 'undesirable'. Some bacteria can play a role in health problems. In small amounts, they do little harm. However, when they are excessively present, they can cause (intestinal) issues. The unwanted bacterial groups we discuss in this report are sulfate-reducing bacteria, proteobacteria, and a group of specific species.
Hydrogen sulfide–producing bacteria generate the gas hydrogen sulfide during fermentation (1). In small amounts, this gas is beneficial, but an excess can stimulate the production of methane gas — which may lead to constipation (IBS-C) (2, 3). Too much hydrogen sulfide can also lead to intestinal inflammation (4, 5).
Is your total score for hydrogen sulfide–producing bacteria orange or pink? Then carefully read the information below to learn how to reduce it. With a green score, this has lower priority.
Good job! Your score for hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Bilophila wadsworthia is a hydrogen sulfide–producing bacterium and has been associated with, among others, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (1, 2, 3).
B. wadsworthia also belongs to the Specific species (see the last group of Unwanted bacteria).
You're on the right track with your score for Bilophila wadsworthia, but it can be improved.
You score higher than most healthy individuals. A high score may potentially lead to gut disorders. Check the tips and explanations below to lower this score (if you have complaints).
Desulfovibrio is a hydrogen sulfide–producing bacterium (1). Although the presence of Desulfovibrio is important for a healthy microbiota, an overgrowth of this bacterium can cause inflammation (2, 3).
Good job! Your score for Desulfovibrio is low.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Good job! Your score for proteobacteria is low.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Most of the bacteria in our gut are neither good nor bad. However, certain species have been associated with various health issues and are considered unwanted in high amounts. Your scores for these notorious species are combined to form the 'Unwanted species - Total' score, which indicates the total presence of potentially harmful bacteria in your gut.
Good job! Your total score for Specific species is low.
Keep it up. See the score for each specific species below.
Bilophila wadsworthia is a species of bacteria that belongs to the group of sulphate reducing bacteria. It has been linked to several health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease.
Your Bilophila wadsworthia score suggests a moderate abundance of this bacterium in your gut microbiota. It's important to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with higher levels of Bilophila wadsworthia, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colon cancer. Consider implementing strategies to promote a healthier gut environment. Check the tips below to see how you can improve your score.
Clostridioides difficile, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a bacteria that can cause inflammation of the colon, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Good job! Your score for Clostridioides difficile is low.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Clostridium perfringens is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the human gut. It can cause food poisoning when present in high amounts, and has been linked to conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Good job! Your score for Clostridium perfringens is low.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Enterobacter is commonly found in the environment, but can also colonize the human gut. Elevated levels of Enterobacter can indicate an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Higher levels of_Enterobacter_ are often associated with gut inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Good job! Your score for Enterobacter is low.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Fusobacterium is a gut bacteria that, when in high abundance, been linked to ulcerative colitis. How this happens is not fully understood, but it probably is due to their production of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPSs can cause chronic infections by overstimulating the immune system, leading to inflammation of the gut.
Good job! Your score for Fusobacterium is low.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Many bacteria are beneficial for (gut) health. The bacterial groups we are talking about here are keystone species, gas-producing bacteria, lactate-producing bacteria, and mucine-degrading bacteria. Below we explain what these beneficial bacteria do for you.
Despite their value, it is unfavorable if these species are excessively present: by taking up too much space, they push out other (beneficial) bacteria. Therefore, balance is important.
Gut bacteria that fall under the keystone species category carry a lot of responsibility: they communicate with other organs, regulate nutrient absorption, and reduce the chance of inflammation. Keystone species do this, among other things, by stimulating the growth and activity of other beneficial bacteria (1).
Is your total score for keystone species orange or pink? Then make sure to review the information below to improve your score. If it's green, there's less priority here.
Good job! Your total score for cornerstone species is good. Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Despite your green total score, the score for a specific cornerstone species might still be orange or pink. That's okay. The important thing is that your total score is good (green), as it means there are enough bacteria in your microbiome performing all the necessary activities.
Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is responsible for the production of butyrate, a substance that keeps the intestinal wall strong and reduces the risk of inflammation (1,2). A low amount of F. prausnitzii has been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3,4).
Your score for F. Prausnitzii matches that of most healthy people, and that's good! This contributes to a good total score. Therefore, you don't need to change your score for F. Prausnitzii.
More importantly, your total score for mucin-degrading bacteria is green: you’re on the right track. Is your score orange? Then check the other individual cornerstone species below to see how you can improve them (if you have complaints). Your score for F. Prausnitzii already contributes well to the total.
Akkermansia muciniphila helps with the creation of a fresh mucus layer on the inside of the intestinal wall, which keeps it strong and reduces the risk of inflammation (1, 2). The absence of A. muciniphila is not harmful, but having it provides a health benefit.
The test has not detected A. muciniphila in your microbiome (keep in mind the detection threshold). Check the tips below to bring A. muciniphila to light.
More importantly, your total score for cornerstone species is green: you're doing well! If your total score is orange because it’s too low, you'll find tips below to improve it by increasing A. muciniphila.
Eubacterium rectale is responsible for the production of butyrate, a substance that keeps the intestinal wall strong and reduces the risk of inflammation. It also supports the growth and activity of other beneficial bacteria (such as energy-producing) in the intestines (1). A low amount of E. rectale has been linked to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (2).
Your score for E. rectale matches that of most healthy people, and that's good! This contributes to a good total score. Therefore, you don't need to change your score for E. rectale.
More importantly, your total score for cornerstone species is green: you're on the right track. If it’s orange or pink, go through the other individual cornerstone species to determine which need improvement (if you have complaints).
Blautia is associated with an improved metabolism and immune system of the body (1). A high level of this bacterium may play a role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (2, 3).
Your score for Blautia matches that of most healthy people, and that's good! This contributes to a good total score. Therefore, you don't need to change your score for Blautia.
More importantly, your total score for cornerstone species is green: you're doing well. If your total score is orange, check the other individual cornerstone species below to see how you can improve them (if you have complaints). Your score for Blautia already contributes well to the total.
Ruminococcus is a common gut bacterium (1). This bacterium produces the beneficial lactate and acetate, which contribute to the growth and activity of desired bacteria (2, 3). There seems to be a link between Ruminococcus and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it is not yet entirely clear how this bacterium contributes to the symptoms.
Your score for Ruminococcus is lower than that of most healthy people. Check the tips below to increase the presence of Ruminococcus.
More importantly, your total score for cornerstone species is green: you’re doing well! If your total score is orange because it’s too low, you’ll find tips below to improve it by increasing Ruminococcus.
We have discussed the most important cornerstone species above. There are many other beneficial bacteria, but there are too many to list one by one. Instead, we now give you a total score of all cornerstone species in your microbiome.
Check below your score for the remaining cornerstone species. If your score is within the green bar, you're doing well. If your score is to the left or right outside the bar, that’s not necessarily bad: what matters most is that the total score for cornerstone species is good (green).
Gas-producing bacteria are extremely important because they produce short-chain fatty acids during the fermentation of dietary fibers. During fermentation, gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are also produced as byproducts (1). These gases are useful, but too much can lead to bloating and excessive flatulence (2).
Is your total score for gas-producing bacteria orange or pink? Then carefully review the information below to improve the score. If it is green, this is less of a priority.
Good job! Your total score for gas-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria convert sulfate into hydrogen sulfide, a gas that is useful in small amounts because it, among other things, strengthens the intestinal wall (1).
Good job! Your score for hydrogen sulfide-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Methane-producing bacteria produce methane gas during the fermentation process. In small amounts, methane is useful, but an excess of it can lead to constipation (IBS-C) (1).
Good job! Your score for methane-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Hydrogen-producing bacteria produce hydrogen gas during the fermentation process (1). In small amounts, this gas is useful, but an excess can stimulate the production of methane gas – leading to constipation (IBS-C) (2, 3). Excess hydrogen can also stimulate the production of hydrogen sulfide – which causes intestinal inflammation (4).
Good job! Your score for hydrogen-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. See the tips below to maintain this score.
Lactate producing bacteria produce a substance called lactate. Lactate has many beneficial effects on a person’s health. For example, bacteria can use lactate to produce butyrate and propionate. These substances are highly beneficial for your gut health.
Great job! Your total score for lactate-producing bacteria is good.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Bifidobacterium is a versatile bacterium: it produces lactic acid (lactate) and essential vitamins, stimulates the growth and activity of energy-producing bacteria, and reduces the likelihood of harmful bacteria growing ([1] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tim.2022.04.004). Some Bifidobacterium species have been linked to alleviating depression ([2] https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2021.11.023) and reducing intestinal inflammation ([3] https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.2004.044834).
Great job! Your score for Bifidobacteria is good.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Lactobacillus performs several functions that contribute to our health and well-being. These include promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, producing important substances like lactate and short-chain fatty acids, maintaining a balanced gut pH, preventing inflammation, supporting a healthy colon lining, improving intestinal permeability, and even potentially even benefiting mental health by improving mood and reducing anxiety.
Great job! Your score for Lactobacillus is good.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Enterococcus (plural is_Enterococci_) helps maintaining the balance and stability of the gut microbiome, competes with harmful bacteria, produces antimicrobial substances that inhibit their growth and promote a healthy microbial balance.
Great job! Your score for Enterococcus is good.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Streptococcus, a common group of bacteria in the human gut microbiome, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health by participating in carbohydrate fermentation, producing lactate to regulate gut pH and inhibit harmful bacteria, generating short-chain fatty acids as an energy source for intestinal cells, strengthening the gut barrier to prevent the entry of harmful substances, and modulating the immune response to regulate inflammation and support overall gut health.
Great job! Your score for Streptococcus is good.
Keep it up. Check the tips below to maintain this score.
Mucin degrading bacteria stimulate the renewal of the gut intestinal lining and the production of mucins by the gut. Mucins act as lubricant, hydration for the gut lining, protection against pathogenic microbes
You’re doing well with your total score for mucin-degrading bacteria, but it can be improved.
Your score is lower than that of most healthy people. A low amount can eventually lead to a weakened mucus layer and intestinal wall. Check the tips and explanations below to improve this score (if you have complaints).
Akkermansia muciniphila is a well-known keystone species, which has the ability to digest mucin. Although not everyone has a high presence of this bacterium, it can play an important role in gut health by helping to keep the intestinal wall healthy.
The test did not pick up A. muciniphila in your microbiome (take the detection limit into account). Check the tips below to bring out A. muciniphila.
More importantly, your total score for mucin-degrading bacteria is green: you’re on the right track! If your total score is orange because it's too low, you’ll find tips below to improve it by increasing A. muciniphila.
Bacteroides vulgatus is a common bacterium in the gut that influences gut health in various ways. It ferments carbohydrates, degrades mucus, and produces beneficial metabolites like butyrate. Bacteroides vulgatus interacts with the immune system, promotes a balanced gut microbiome, and helps maintain gut homeostasis (gut balance).
Your score for B. vulgatus is lower than that of most healthy people. Check the tips below to increase the presence of B. vulgatus.
More importantly, your total score for mucin-degrading bacteria is green: you're on the right track! If your total score is orange because it’s too low, you’ll find tips below to improve it by increasing B. vulgatus.
Bifidobacterium longum is a species belonging to the genera Bifidobacterium (a group of lactate forming bacteria). This bacteria is often used as a probiotic.
Your score for B. longum matches that of most healthy people and that's good! This contributes to a good total score. You don’t need to change your score for B. longum.
More importantly, your total score for mucin-degrading bacteria is green: you're on the right track. If your score is orange, check the other individual mucin-degrading bacteria to see how you can increase them (if you have complaints). Your score for B. longum already contributes well to the total.
We have discussed the most important mucin-degrading bacteria above. There are many others, but there are too many to mention. Instead, we now provide an overall score of all the mucin-degrading bacteria in your microbiome.
Check below for your score on the other mucin-degrading bacteria. If your score is within the green bar, you’re on the right track. If your score is to the left or right of the bar, it’s not necessarily bad: the most important thing is that the total score for these bacteria is good.
Characterized by a dominance of the genus Bacteroides. Bacteroides live off the carbohydrates of the mucus layer that your gut produces. The genus is often seen in people with a diet rich in meat. However, even people with a plant-based diet can have a Bacteroides enterotype, if they do not have Prevotella in their microbiome.
Characterized by a dominance of the genus Prevotella. Prevotella lives off plant-based fibres and is therefore often found in people with plantbased diets Unlike Bacteroides, Prevotella is not able to digest the carbohydrates that are provided by the mucus layer of the gut.
Characterized by a dominance of the genus Ruminococcus. They are often found in people with a higher intake of (resistant)starches. This enterotype is less clearly defined and given certain conditions (specific nutrition) this enterotype can transition to enterotype 1 or 2.