Companies that analyze your microbiome

 Microbiomes are all the rage these days, especially those that inhabit the gut. (Your microbiome is the 100 million microorganisms—such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses—that live in your body.) Because we now know the crucial role our microbiome plays in our health, companies are looking for ways to monetize this new field. Some are developing therapeutics. For example, in 2018, a company called Microbiotica signed a $534 million deal with Genentech to develop therapeutics for irritable bowel syndrome. Others are marketing their services directly to the public. In these cases, the companies analyze your gut microbiome based on your stool and blood samples and provide recommendations for foods to eat and avoid.  Here are three companies offering these services: 

Viome: I have seen somebody’s results from this company. It was a 104-page report that included a list of the bacteria in her gut along with recommendations on what foods to eat and avoid as well as suggested supplements.

Zoe: Like Viome, it analyzes your gut bacteria but it also has you wear a continuous glucose monitor to see how different meals affect your glucose and fat levels. (Glucose response is highly individualized.) It provides dietary advice based on the data it collects.

DayTwo: Aimed at diabetics, the company analyzes your gut microbiome and continuously monitors glucose levels. The company pairs you with a dietician who provides personalized diet recommendations. 

In 2017 I had my gut microbiome by The American Gut Project, a "citizen science" project at the University of California. The information I got was interesting but not especially useful. If I had health problems, I might try one of the other companies. If I had diabetes, I’d definitely try DayTwo.

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