The microbiota is the collection of all microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that live in a specific environment of our body. The most well-known is the gut microbiota, but others also exist, for example in the mouth, urinary tract, and genital tract.
These microorganisms are not unwanted guests, but part of a true “ecosystem” that coexists with us. They play an essential role in our health: they help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from pathogens.
When this delicate balance is in harmony, our body benefits from it. If it becomes disrupted, it can instead contribute to the development of various diseases.
Our microbiota tests can be performed by anyone, regardless of age or health status.
However, it is important to consider some differences:
- Adults: The tests are highly reliable, and our recommendations are based on scientific evidence. The results provide a clear and useful overview.
- Children: We recommend performing the test after puberty, when the microbiota becomes more stable and reference values are more accurate. In younger children, results should be interpreted with caution, as their microbiota is still rapidly evolving.
We also offer specific tests for the gut microbiota of dogs and cats.
No, Microbiome Analytics tests do not have a diagnostic purpose. They provide a detailed profile of the composition and functionality of the microbiota present in the analyzed sample.
However, the results of these tests are a valuable support tool for qualified professionals, such as doctors, nutritionists, dietitians, and veterinarians. Using this information, they can plan specific dietary strategies or supplements to restore microbiota balance and improve overall health.
In summary, while a medical diagnosis identifies a disease, the microbiota test provides a snapshot of the state of the microbial ecosystem, helping specialists better understand potential imbalances (dysbiosis) and intervene more effectively.
Gut microbiota analysis can be recommended in many situations, providing valuable information about your pet’s digestive and overall health.
1. Chronic dermatological problems
Persistent skin alterations can sometimes be linked to intestinal dysbiosis: a microbiota analysis can help understand their possible origin.
2. Persistent gastrointestinal disorders
If your dog or cat experiences chronic diarrhea, recurrent vomiting, constipation, or other intestinal issues, microbiota analysis can help identify the imbalances contributing to these symptoms.
3. Food reactions or intolerances
When there are signs of allergies or sensitivity to certain foods, the microbiota test can reveal alterations in the gut flora associated with these conditions, helping to define a personalized diet.
4. Transition to a new diet
When introducing a new type or brand of food, analyzing the microbiota can be useful to understand how the change affects your pet’s intestinal balance.
5. Prolonged antibiotic therapies
Before or after an antibiotic treatment, microbiota analysis makes it possible to assess the baseline intestinal bacterial composition and to monitor the variations induced by the medication.
6. Periodic monitoring of intestinal health
In animals that have previously experienced gastrointestinal problems, regular microbiota monitoring helps keep intestinal function under control over time.
7. Suspected intestinal infections
In cases of acute or chronic diarrhea due to possible bacterial or parasitic infections, microbiota analysis can help support the identification of the pathogen involved.
8. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
For animals with suspected chronic enteritis or IBD, microbiota analysis helps support the diagnosis and the definition of a more targeted therapeutic approach.
9. Poor response to treatments
When your pet does not improve despite therapy, microbiota analysis can help identify intestinal alterations that may be interfering with the effectiveness of the treatments.
10. Assessment of overall well-being
Even in the absence of symptoms, the microbiota test can be performed as part of a health check-up to assess the balance of the digestive system.
Discussing with your veterinarian whether it is appropriate to perform a gut microbiota test can be an important step in understanding the causes of various disorders and improving the overall health of your dog or cat.
1. Recurrent gastrointestinal disorders. If you experience persistent symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or difficult digestion, a microbiota analysis can help identify any imbalances in the gut microbiota that may be contributing to these conditions.
2. Suspected food intolerances or allergies. In cases of sensitivity or adverse reactions to foods, the microbiota test can highlight alterations in intestinal bacteria associated with inflammatory or immune processes, providing useful insights for adjusting the diet.
3. Dietary changes. During significant dietary transitions (such as switching to a vegetarian, high-protein, or high-fiber diet), analyzing the microbiota can help understand how the body adapts and whether the new eating regimen promotes a healthy intestinal balance.
4. Prolonged use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can alter the composition of the gut microbiota. Performing an analysis before or after a treatment cycle makes it possible to monitor these changes and assess the need for probiotic or nutritional support.
5. Monitoring intestinal health over time. For individuals who suffer from chronic disorders or who wish to prevent digestive issues, periodic microbiota analysis makes it possible to observe changes over time and intervene promptly in case of imbalances.
6. Recurrent intestinal infections. In cases of bacterial, fungal, or parasitic intestinal infections, the test can help identify the microorganisms involved and assess the degree of associated dysbiosis.
7. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Microbiota analysis provides information on the state of the intestinal ecosystem and can support the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as IBS, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
8. Poor response to medical or dietary treatments. When conventional therapies do not produce the expected results, the microbiota may be one of the underlying causes. The test helps identify bacterial imbalances that may interfere with treatment response.
9. Routine check-up. Microbiota analysis is also useful in the absence of symptoms, as part of a preventive health check-up. It provides a snapshot of your intestinal balance and its impact on overall health.
10. Dermatological problems or recurrent skin inflammation. Some skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or chronic dermatitis can be associated with intestinal imbalances. Evaluating the microbiota can therefore help identify a possible internal cause of the problem.
Gut microbiota analysis is not just a simple test, but a tool for prevention and therapeutic personalization. However, its use should always be assessed by a qualified professional (physician or biologist), who can interpret the results within the broader clinical context.
Yes, you can safely take the test even if you are taking medications, supplements, or pre/probiotics. It is essential that you indicate these products in the questionnaire included in the kit, so that we have a complete picture for interpreting the results.
However, there is one important exception:
If you have taken oral antibiotics, we recommend waiting at least two weeks after finishing the treatment before performing the test. Antibiotics can significantly alter the balance of the gut microbiota. Waiting a month allows your microbiota to partially restore its usual condition, providing a result that is more representative of your actual health status.
If you have taken oral pre/probiotics, we recommend waiting at least two weeks after finishing the treatment before performing the test.
The test results will be sent to you by email at the address you provided when requesting the kit, within 4 weeks from the moment the sample is received in the laboratory. To ensure maximum transparency and peace of mind, each kit includes shipping tracking, allowing you to monitor the sample’s journey to the laboratory in real time.
To monitor the health of the microbiota, we recommend repeating the test every 6–12 months if the results show a normal balance.
If dysbiosis is detected, it is important to consult a professional to define an appropriate therapeutic or nutritional plan. In this case, the test can be repeated at the end of the treatment or according to the professional’s recommendations, in order to assess the effectiveness of the intervention and monitor the recovery of the microbiota’s health.
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Do you have any other questions or concerns about our services and the benefits we offer? Don’t hesitate to contact us — we will be happy to assist you.