Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is a key indicator of gut health on a microbiome test panel. As a major butyrate-producing bacterium, it plays a critical role in maintaining the intestinal barrier, regulating the immune system, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. Low levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii are often associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, type 2 diabetes, and various mental health disorders. This bacterium is sensitive to diet, antibiotics, and lifestyle factors, making its presence a valuable marker for assessing gut health and the overall balance of the gut microbiota. Addressing deficiencies in Faecalibacterium prausnitzii through dietary adjustments, probiotics, and prebiotics can significantly contribute to restoring and maintaining gut health.

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii is one of the most important bacteria in the human gut flora and makes up to 5-10% of the total number of bacteria detected in stool samples from healthy humans. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii has a crucial role in maintaining gut physiology and host wellbeing.

Non-gluten proteins constitute about 25% of the total protein content of wheat cereal. Recently it has been shown that these non-gluten proteins are immune-reactive in individuals with wheat sensitivity. The 5 groups of non-gluten proteins which are distinctly different from the gluten proteins that are responsible for inflammation in patients with wheat sensitivity are serpins, purinins, farinins, amylase/protease inhibitors and globulins.

The fasting specimen in a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is a critical component in diagnosing and managing diabetes and other glucose-related disorders. This initial blood sample is taken after an individual has fasted for at least 8 to 12 hours, ensuring that food intake does not influence the blood glucose levels. The accuracy and reliability of the fasting specimen are essential for the GTT, as it establishes a baseline glucose level against which subsequent readings (taken after the intake of a glucose-rich drink) are compared. A normal fasting blood glucose level typically falls below 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100 to 125 mg/dL indicate a pre-diabetic condition, known as impaired fasting glucose, while a level of 126 mg/dL or higher can suggest diabetes, warranting further tests for confirmation.

Individuals who have pancreatic insufficiency secondary to pancreatic or biliary tract disease may be unable to efficiently digest and absorb fat normally. The microscopic fecal fat test is a reliable marker for fat malabsorption, and evaluation enzyme therapy in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. When assessing the root cause of fat malabsorption the following should be considered: dietary fat intake, gastric surgery, pancreatic disease, biliary obstruction, liver disease, mucosal integrity, and problems with chylomicron formation.

Supplementation with pancreatic enzymes, HCL, and/or bile salts may be indicated. Steatorrhea is associated with a particularly foul odor of the stool.

Increases in neutral fat are commonly associated with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency.

Increase in stool total fats (neutral fats, soaps, and fatty acids) is likely to be associated with small bowel disease.

Antigliadin antibodies (AGAs) are antibodies of the IgA and IgG classes found in the serum of celiac disease patients. These antibodies mainly target gliadin-derived peptides, which are the main proteins of gluten. AGAs are not specific for celiac disease as they are also found in patients with other gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, and IBD.

Fecal color analysis on a GI Effects panel is a significant component in the evaluation of gastrointestinal health. The color of stool can provide meaningful insights into digestive processes and potential issues within the gastrointestinal tract. Stool normally ranges in color from various shades of brown, influenced by the breakdown of bilirubin and the presence of bile in the digestive system.

However, deviations from this typical brown hue can indicate various conditions and factors. For instance, clay-colored or pale stools may suggest a problem with the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, potentially indicating issues with bile production or flow. Dark, tar-like stools can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, often resulting from conditions like ulcers or hemorrhoids. Green stools might be related to the transit time of food through the intestines or the consumption of certain foods, like leafy green vegetables. Red or black stools may be alarming, potentially pointing to blood in the stool, which could result from gastrointestinal bleeding. Yellow or greasy stools may signal malabsorption, where the body struggles to digest and absorb fats.

Fecal consistency analysis on a GI Effects panel is a crucial aspect of assessing an individual's gastrointestinal health. The appearance and texture of stool can provide valuable insights into the functioning of the digestive system and may indicate various underlying issues.

Loose fecal consistency, as identified through this testing, can signify a range of potential concerns. It may point to malabsorption, where the body struggles to absorb essential nutrients from ingested food, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, loose stools can be indicative of inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract, which can be associated with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Eosinophil Protein X (EPX) is a water-soluble protein that is found in eosinophils.

EPX levels in stool are a marker of eosinophil activity in the gastrointestinal system. Fecal EPX abnormality is suggestive of food allergy, eosinophil-driven inflammation (caused by parasites). The test has been shown to have higher specificity and positive predictive value for detecting disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease compared to fecal calprotectin.

When you eat fat, a small amount of the fat passes out the body through the colon. Some of the different types of fats in the feces include phospholipids, sterols, sphingolipids, cholesteryl esters, glycolipids, soaps and glycerides.  

A fecal fat test helps your doctor identify pancreatic or intestinal disorders. It can indicate your body isn’t creating enough enzymes or there is malabsorption.