GI Effects Stool Profile | Genova Diagnostics

Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B Ratio)

Optimal Result: 12 - 620 Ratio.

The two largest phyla making up the gut microbiome in humans are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes.

The relationship of these two large groups, expressed as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, has been associated with a number of pathological conditions:

- Obesity has been specifically associated with a greater abundance of Firmicutes and/or a drop in Bacteroidetes (i.e., an increase in the ratio); some research, however, has shown no change or even an increase in Bacteroidetes in obesity

- Disruptions of metabolic homeostasis, e.g., type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

- Elevated markers of inflammation such as IL-6

The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio captures the following members of each class:

Total Firmicutes:

- Anaerotruncus colihominis

- Butyrivibrio crossotus

- Clostridium spp.

- Coprococcus eutactus

- Faecalibacterium prausnitzii

- Lactobacillus spp.

- Pseudoflavonifractor spp.

- Roseburia spp.

- Ruminococcus spp.

- Veillonella  spp.

Total Bacteroidetes:

- Bacteroides-Prevotella Group (B. vulgatus & Prevotella spp.)

- Barnesiella spp.

- Odoribacter spp.

Outcomes and General Therapeutic Considerations:

Although no specific therapeutic interventions are yet known for a markedly elevated or depressed Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio, general intervention strategies directed against some of the commensals may impact this ratio and ultimately gut health.

For imbalances in the F/B Ratio it is best to start by correlating with microbial diversity and abundance, and base treatments on the analytes that are out-of-range.

Age dependent levels:

The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio undergoes an increase from birth to adulthood and is further altered with advanced age. This ratio appears applicable in highlighting variations between infants, adults and the elderly. It can be linked to overall changes in bacterial profiles at different stages of life. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702274/]

References:

- Association between body mass index and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in an adult Ukrainian population [L]

- The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of the human microbiota changes with age [L]

What does it mean if your Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B Ratio) result is too low?

A high-fiber diet can increase the abundance of Firmicutes and reduce the abundance of Bacteroides and consequently increase the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the intestine, inhibiting the development of CRC [Colorectal cancer]. [L]

What does it mean if your Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B Ratio) result is too high?

- A study has shown that an obese population has a significantly higher level of Firmicutes and lower level of Bacteroidetes compared to normal-weight and lean adults. [L]

10 000+ happy clients
100% satisfaction
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ customer support

Understand blood, stool, and urine medical results from all your laboratories.

Get Started With Our Personal Plan

Advanced Plan

  • ✓ Yearly subscription
  • ✓ Five free uploads
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support
  • ✓ Yearly subscription
  • ✓ Five free uploads
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
$79 per year
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support

Unlimited Plan

  • ✓ No subscription
  • ✓ Ten free uploads
  • ✓ Unlimited access
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free self-upload form
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Nutrition Recommendations
  • ✓ Dedicated support
  • ✓ No subscription
  • ✓ Ten free uploads
  • ✓ Unlimited access
$250 full version

Are You a Health Professional?

Get started with our professional plan

Welcome to Healthmatters Pro.

Save time on interpreting lab results with the largest database of biomarkers online. In-depth research on any test at your fingertips, all stored and tracked in one place. Learn more

Pro Plan

for health professionals

  • ✓ Track multiple clients results
  • ✓ No setup fees
  • ✓ No hidden costs
  • ✓ Cancel anytime
  • ✓ Instant interpretations
  • ✓ Use the free template forms
  • ✓ 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • ✓ Additional team member $25
  • ✓ Personal training and support

$45 per month

Use promo code to save 10% off any plan.


We implement proven measures to keep your data safe.

At HealthMatters, we're committed to maintaining the security and confidentiality of your personal information. We've put industry-leading security standards in place to help protect against the loss, misuse, or alteration of the information under our control. We use procedural, physical, and electronic security methods designed to prevent unauthorized people from getting access to this information. Our internal code of conduct adds additional privacy protection. All data is backed up multiple times a day and encrypted using SSL certificates. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

×

Understand Your Lab Result Now

  • Instant interpretation
  • 3000+ biomarkers explained
  • Science-based recommendations
  • Online support
  • Secure and private portal

Get 10% off with promocode: