Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor used to block the formation of the potent androgen DHT from its precursor, testosterone. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as male pattern baldness in men and women, and excessive facial or body hair growth in women.

Serum testosterone levels increase as a result of the reduced conversion to DHT, but the increase is not usually outside the normal range

. Treatment with finasteride has been linked with sexual side effects.

Gram-negative Bacteroidetes and grampositive Firmicutes are bacterial phyla that dominate the entire human digestive tract, including the mouth, nose, throat, and colon.2 An abnormal result in one or both of these phylum suggest imbalanced normal microbes in the GI tract. Further, high Firmicutes and low Bacteroidetes (resulting in a high F/B ratio) suggest microbial imbalance which may be related to increased caloric extraction from food, fat deposition and lipogenesis, impaired insulin sensitivity, and increased inflammation.

Gram-negative Bacteroidetes and grampositive Firmicutes are bacterial phyla that dominate the entire human digestive tract, including the mouth, nose, throat, and colon.2 An abnormal result in one or both of these phylum suggest imbalanced normal microbes in the GI tract. Further, high Firmicutes and low Bacteroidetes (resulting in a high F/B ratio) suggest microbial imbalance which may be related to increased caloric extraction from food, fat deposition and lipogenesis, impaired insulin sensitivity, and increased inflammation.

The marker "Firmicutes Phylum" refers to a significant group of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. Firmicutes are one of the most abundant types of bacteria in the human digestive tract, playing a crucial role in the body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. They are also involved in the synthesis of certain vitamins and the regulation of our immune system. A GI panel often measures the levels of Firmicutes to assess the balance of microbial populations in the gut. An imbalance in these bacteria can be linked to various health conditions, including digestive disorders, obesity, and metabolic issues. When analyzing GI panel results, high or low levels of Firmicutes can provide insights into the individual's gut health, pointing towards potential dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) and guiding appropriate dietary or medical interventions to restore balance and support overall health.

The F/B ratio provides an estimate of the predominance of two major phyla of commensal organisms, which has been associated with a number of metabolic disorders.

An abnormal result in one or both of these phylum suggest imbalanced normal microbes in the GI tract.

Gram-negative Bacteroidetes and grampositive Firmicutes are bacterial phyla that dominate the entire human digestive tract, including the mouth, nose, throat, and colon. 

The "Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes Ratio" is an important marker that provides insights into the composition of gut microbiota. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are two major groups of bacteria commonly found in the human gut. Each plays a critical role in digestion and overall health. The ratio between these two types of bacteria can indicate different states of gut health and has been linked to various conditions. For instance, an imbalance, often reflected in a higher Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio, has been associated with obesity and other metabolic disorders. Conversely, a lower ratio might be observed in leaner individuals. This marker helps healthcare providers understand the bacterial balance within a patient’s gastrointestinal tract, offering clues about the patient's metabolic health and potential digestive issues. Analyzing this ratio allows practitioners to recommend specific dietary or therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring a healthy balance of gut microbiota, thereby improving the patient's overall health.

In adults, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the most abundant bacterial phyla in the gut. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) abundance ratio was shown to increase from infancy to adulthood and subsequently to decrease again in the elderly. Elevated F/B ratios have been linked to obesity though the evidence is not conclusive.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to hospitalization and, in some cases, death.

The GI-MAP includes results for detection of H. pylori antibiotic resistance genes. If an antibiotic resistance gene is present, then that class of antibiotics is designated POSITIVE for antibiotic resistance. A positive result for the presence of resistance genes for a given antibiotic indicates that the antibiotic is not an ideal choice for an antibiotic protocol. Since microbes can rapidly share DNA under stress, the presence of antibiotic resistance is reason enough to avoid that drug class.

Folate (Folic Acid) is needed to produce blood cells and other new tissue cells. Folate is a generic term for a group of pteridine compounds essential for one-carbon unit metabolism. Folates are involved in the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and tRNA necessary for cell growth. Folates are required for metabolism of methionine, histidine, tryptophan, glycine, serine, and formate. Interactions with Vitamin B6 and B12 also occur from common metabolic pathways. Folate function is necessary to prevent accumulation of homocystine. Deficient folate status of pregnant females is also directly linked to incidence of birth defects, especially neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

Folate is the naturally occurring form found in foods; folic acid is the supplement/synthetic form. Folate is more bioavailable.

Once in circulation, folate gets methylated.

Methyl-tetrahydrofolate is the most abundant folate in circulation and it functions with vitamin B12 in methylation reactions to reduce
homocysteine, but is also involved in DNA synthesis, and red blood cell synthesis.

Folate is a water-soluble vitamin essential for cell growth and division. RBC folate determination is obtained by measuring the folate concentration in a whole blood (WB) hemolysate solution and dividing it by the patient’s hematocrit (Hct; %). 

This is an intermediary biomarker that is used to calculate Folate, RBC. There is no reference range provided by the laboratory, hence please refer to the actual "Folate, RBC" marker instead.