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Best Gut Health Test To Take At Home (2023)
Updated on September 13, 2023
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Microbiome
Best Gut Health Test To Take At Home (2023)

Our verdict: We recommend Viome, Ombre (Thryve), and Biohm if you want to test for gut imbalances that may be causing symptoms of poor gut health.

Imbalances in your gut bacteria may cause digestive issues, food cravings, low energy levels, recurring skin concerns, weight changes, and other health issues.

These gut testing companies offer personalized health recommendations and probiotic supplements that may help with your symptoms and promote a healthy gut microbiome.

But if you want to check for the possibility of gut problems such as leaky gut, colon cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Wellnicity and Verisana are better options.

Why Should I Take A Gut Microbiome Test?

Each person has a unique gut environment that affects their health in a different way. 

For instance, some people have a higher ratio of Firmicutes, a potentially harmful bacteria, than Bacteroides, a type of good gut bacteria.

People with more Firmicutes in the gut tend to be obese or gain weight more easily. It’s because this bacteria digests carbohydrates and fats more efficiently than Bacteroides.

A gut health test kit allows you to see how your unique microbiome affects your digestion, nutrition, and overall health. It can also provide actionable steps that may help balance your gut flora.

At-home microbiome tests offer varying health insights and recommendations, and some will be more personalized than others. Ultimately, you want to choose a kit that provides the information and solutions you’re looking for.

Everything We Recommend

Why Trust Us

KnowYourDNA is committed to making healthcare more accessible to the public, which is why we feature testing kits that meet industry standards.

We only choose at-home gut health tests with reliable testing methods and science-backed reports that provide useful insights into your health.

Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of our information by reviewing them before publication.

Best Gut Health Test To Take At Home (2023) 9

Meet the Expert

Dr. Harshi Dhingra has an M.D. in Pathology.

She is a registered pathologist with over a decade of experience in diagnostic, clinical, research, and teaching work. She manages all aspects of pathology laboratory, including histopathology, cytology, hematology, and clinical pathology.

Currently, Dr. Dhingra works as faculty in a medical school and research center.

ProductEase of Sample CollectionEasy to Interpret ResultsDetailed Gut ReportActionable InsightPersonalized Probiotics
Viome★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Ombre★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Biohm★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Verisana★★★★★★★★★★★
Wellnicity★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Best Gut Health Test To Take At Home (2023) 10

1. Viome Gut Intelligence Test — Our Top Pick

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The Gut Intelligence Test can provide comprehensive insights on your gut, such as your gut lining, gut diversity, gut inflammation, metabolism, digestion, and more.

It can identify bacteria and other microorganisms in your gastrointestinal tract, including parasites, viruses, fungi, and yeasts.

You’ll receive over 400+ food recommendations and the option to purchase personalized probiotics and prebiotics that may help improve your gut health.

Viome Gut Intelligence Quick Facts
Collection TypeFecal scoop
DNA Testing Method16S RNA Sequencing

Why We Recommend It

  • Tests for more types of microorganisms than any of its competitors
  • Provides personalized health recommendations based on your tests results
  • Option to buy Precision Probiotics + Prebiotics that may correct your imbalance
  • Many users claim Viome’s supplements help with energy and overall health
  • Access your test results anywhere using the Viome app for iOS and Android

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Reports have inconsistent accuracy and amount of detail
  • There are people who find its results confusing and hard to interpret
  • Some users find it difficult to navigate reports or cancel subscriptions
  • Viome’s supplements may cause discomfort and adverse effects
  • Supplement subscriptions are too expensive for some people

If you want to gain more insights on your health but don’t want the supplements, you can purchase the Viome Health Intelligence Test. Here’s our Viome review.

2. Viome Full Body Intelligence Test — Upgrade Pick

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Full Body Intelligence is a step-up to Viome’s Gut Intelligence Test, providing insights on both your gut health and overall wellness.

This includes your biological age, energy efficiency, immune and stress response, an assessment of your brain, heart, microbiome, immune system, metabolic, and cellular health.

You’ll also receive food suggestions and the option to purchase Viome’s Prebiotics + Probiotics with personalized supplements based on your results.

Viome Full Body Intelligence Quick Facts
Collection TypeFecal scoop + Blood + Saliva
DNA Testing Method16S RNA Sequencing

Why We Recommend It

  • It’s Viome’s most comprehensive test with over 50+ health reports
  • Option to buy Precision Supplements that may help with your overall health
  • Supplements contain custom blend of up to eight ingredients and may include nutrients, herbs, food extracts, amino acids, enzymes, and natural extracts

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Mildly invasive sample collection method that requires a blood sample
  • There’s no option to purchase Viome’s Precision Prebiotics + Probiotics alone

Deal: Use code KYNDA for $110 off. 

3. Ombre Gut Health Test (formerly Thryve) — Budget Pick

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Ombre’s Gut Health Test (formerly Thryve) analyzes your gut flora to determine how they affect your mood, focus, weight, energy levels, immunity, and mental health.

You’ll receive an overall gut score and learn which types of bacteria you need to work on or keep under control so you can reduce any symptoms of poor gut health.

Ombre will recommend foods that you can eat and avoid for a healthy gut bacteria. It also suggests probiotic supplements that target symptoms caused by an unhealthy gut, such as low energy levels.

Ombre Gut Test Quick Facts
Collection TypeFecal swab
DNA Testing Method16S RNA sequencing

Why We Recommend It

“Ombre provides food recommendations and probiotic supplements. Both play an important role in your gut microbiome and overall health." Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

  • Currently the most affordable gut testing kit with flexible payment options
  • Easy-to-understand reports that provide useful information on your gut bacteria
  • Many users report experiencing positive results and feeling better after trying Ombre’s probiotic supplements and healthy food suggestions
  • Customer service is friendly and helpful in resolving issues
  • Gut test can be purchased alone or with the new Ombre Gut Health Program, which includes a lifetime membership, one month’s supply of Rise Prebiotic and Ultimate Immunity Probiotic, and a monthly probiotic subscription

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Doesn't test for fungi and parasites that inhabit the gut
  • Ombre Probiotics may cause side effects in some people
  • Only has single-strain probiotics, which are generally less effective than multi-strain probiotics like what Viome offers
  • Food recommendations do not consider dietary restrictions such as food allergies and intolerances
  • Lacks a dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS users

Read our Ombre review if you want to learn more.

Sale: $20 off

4. Biohm Health Gut Test — Best For Digestive Health

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Biohm is a simple gut testing kit that checks for gut imbalances and provides actionable steps to correct them, including dietary and lifestyle changes, and supplements.

The company has an extensive range of gut health supplements to choose from, such as probiotics, fiber supplements, and colon cleansers just to name a few.

Biohm also offers personalized guidance from a nutritionist if you sign up for the three-month wellness program.

Biohm Gut Test Quick Facts
Collection TypeFecal swab
DNA Testing Method16S RNA Sequencing

Why We Recommend It

  • Tests for the presence of gut bacteria and fungi in your digestive system
  • Provides straightforward reports that are easy to interpret 
  • Has a wide range of gut supplements, including kid-friendly options
  • You can purchase Biohm’s supplements without taking their test
  • Less expensive than most at-home gut testing kits

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Health and wellness advice are too generic
  • You have to pay to get more personalized guidance on your results
  • Test may turn up invalid results if you don’t provide enough stool sample

Here’s our Biohm review for more information.

5. Verisana Laboratories — Best For Leaky Gut

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Verisana’s Leaky Gut Test tests for zonulin and immunoglobulin A (IgA) to assess your gut lining health and intestinal permeability. 

These biomarkers can help determine if you have a leaky gut syndrome. However, the microbiome kit also checks for candida, mold, and gut imbalances.

Verisana Lab Quick Facts
Collection TypeFecal scoop
DNA Testing MethodUnknown

Why We Recommend It

“Verisana is a good option for people with special gut health needs,” says Dr. Dhingra.

  • May be useful for people who think they have leaky gut syndrome
  • Identifies more potentially harmful pathogens than many of its competitors
  • You can discuss your results with a gastrointestinal (GI) doctor

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • It can’t diagnose leaky gut (you have to see a healthcare professional) 
  • Doesn’t provide actionable insights that promote gut microbiome health
  • More expensive than most at-home leaky gut tests

Use code "knowyourdna" for 5% OFF

6. Wellnicity Gut Health Best for Identifying Gut Problems

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Wellnicity provides unique insights on your microbiome health along with personalized recommendations and free access to a clinical nutritionist.

It tests for several gut-related health problems such as amebiasis, colorectal cancer, gluten intolerance, gut inflammation, gastroenteritis, and giardiasis, among others.

Wellnicity’s gut test is a great option if you’re experiencing digestive issues like diarrhea, flatulence (gas), and stomach pains—but want to narrow down their possible causes.

Wellnicity Gut Test Quick Facts
Collection TypeFecal scoop
DNA Testing MethodUnknown

Why We Recommend It

“If you have persistent digestive problems, I'd recommend the Wellnicity Test. You can use it to find out whether or not you need further testing,” says Dr. Dhingra.

  • Tests for harmful pathogens and health markers that may indicate the presence of certain gastrointestinal issues and possible infections
  • Supports gut microbiome health by offering personalized nutritional advice, lifestyle recommendations, and supplement suggestions
  • Includes free access to a clinical nutritionist, which makes it worth the price
  • Test results may help your doctor diagnose your condition

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Requires two stool samples for better accuracy at the expense of convenience
  • Doesn't test for other common food intolerances besides gluten sensitivity
  • More expensive than other microbiome tests
  • Runs out of stock pretty quickly

How We Chose The Best Gut Microbiome Tests

We tried several gut microbiome kits that are available on the market. We then compared these tests based on the following criteria:

  • Brand reputation
  • Health reports
  • Actionable steps
  • Testing process
  • Value for money

1. Brand Reputation

Gut microbiome testing companies should be transparent about the products they offer along with their prices. They must provide reliable services, delivery times, and customer support.

We also looked at hundreds of online reviews to see what others say about the same tests we’ve tried. This helped us check for consistency and if people trusted them.

2. Health Reports

The reports that come with your gut microbiome test must be comprehensive and easy to understand. They should provide practical information, such as:

  • Whether or not you have gut imbalance
  • Which bacteria you’re missing and have too much of
  • How your unique gut flora is affecting your digestion and health
  • What gut problems may be causing your symptoms

Gut health tests should help you understand why you’re experiencing signs of gut imbalance, digestive problems, and other related conditions.

3. Actionable Steps

The best gut health tests provide actionable steps that allow you to:

  • Increase your beneficial gut bacteria
  • Reduce the bad bacteria in your digestive tract
  • Decrease your digestive issues
  • Improve your well-being

Gut wellness companies often recommend certain foods and lifestyle changes to help improve your gut. Others may offer supplements that you can take alongside a healthy lifestyle.

This includes preformulated prebiotic and probiotic supplements, personalized probiotics, and other gut health supplements.

4. Testing Process

We picked gut tests with a convenient private testing process. Sample collection should be simple and sanitary since you’ll be collecting stool samples.

The testing kits and return boxes should come in unidentifiable packaging. This helps protect your privacy throughout the process.

The methods they use to analyze samples must also be reliable. Ideally, they should be partnered with accredited laboratories to ensure the accuracy of your microbiome test results.

5. Value for Money

Gut health tests usually cost $100 to $300. But it doesn’t mean you’ll get what you pay for.

Some kits can provide useful reports for a lower cost. But there are also higher-priced tests that don’t have much to offer.

When you think about the cost, you have to factor in your budget and what the test has to offer for its price. We selected tests that can give you useful results, so you get the most bang for your buck.

Are At-Home Gut Tests Accurate?

It depends. The gut health tests we’ve featured on our list use accurate testing methods. However, some microbiome tests are more accurate than others.

Gut companies that analyze samples in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) approved laboratories provide better accuracy than those who don’t.1

You may want to look for tests that use 16S RNA sequencing. Research shows this method is "sufficiently accurate" for identifying different strains and species of bacteria in your gut.2

Tests that support their results with the latest microbiome research are also more reliable.

For better accuracy, some doctors recommend taking several tests. You can compare your results to get a more complete picture of your gut health.

How Do I Take A Gut Microbiome Test?

The process is slightly different for every test. But it usually involves these steps:

  1. Order your gut test. You can order the gut tests we mentioned in this article online. They should arrive at your door within a week.
  2. Collect your sample. Follow the instructions on your test kit. Most kits will ask you to submit a stool sample. Some like the Viome Health Intelligence Test require a blood sample.
  3. Submit your sample. Place the required sample inside the shipping box and send it back for testing. It can take days or weeks before your sample is analyzed.
  4. Wait for your results. Usually, it takes two to four weeks for your report to arrive.
  5. Get your microbiome report. You can view your gut report on the company's website or through a dedicated app you can download on your phone.

Importance of a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Your gut microbiome helps your body absorb and produce nutrients which you can’t get directly from food, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA).

Ideally, there should be more good bacteria in your digestive tract because they keep potentially harmful bacteria in check.

Having too much bad bacteria can lead to an unhealthy gut. This may cause a range of symptoms on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Keeping your gut bacteria healthy may prevent these issues and provide numerous health benefits. These include:

  • Better food digestion
  • Improved mood, focus, and concentration
  • Stronger immune system
  • Good quality sleep
  • Enhanced energy levels
  • Weight loss and weight management

Gut health tests can detect imbalances in your microbiome and offer practical tips that may help restore its balance.

You can learn which foods to eat and avoid for a healthy gut and if there are any lifestyle changes or supplements you can take to support your gut bacteria.

Updated on September 13, 2023
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28 sources cited
Updated on September 13, 2023
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  2. "Evaluation of 16S rRNA gene sequencing for species and strain-level microbiome analysis." Nature.
  3. "Gut microbiome diversity is associated with sleep physiology in humans." National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  4. The Gut-Brain Axis: Influence of Microbiota on Mood and Mental Health.” National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  5. "Stress, depression, diet, and the gut microbiota: human–bacteria interactions at the core of psychoneuroimmunology and nutrition." National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  6. "Trait Energy and Fatigue May Be Connected to Gut Bacteria among Young Physically Active Adults: An Exploratory Study." Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.
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  12. "Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  13. A specific strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus may relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance.” European Society of Neurogastroentology and Motility. 
  14. Vitamin K Compounds in Bacteria That Are Obligate Anaerobes.” PubMed.
  15. The gut microbiome in health and in disease.” National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  16. Bacteroides: the Good, the Bad, and the Nitty-Gritty.” National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  17. "The Microbiome." Harvard Health Publishing.
  18. "Diet rich in animal foods, alcohol and sugar linked to ‘inflammatory’ gut microbiome." The British Medical Journal.
  19. "Sugars and Gastrointestinal Health." Science Direct.
  20. "Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes." Mayo Clinic.
  21. "Adaptation of the Gut Microbiota to Modern Dietary Sugars and Sweeteners." Oxford Academic.
  22. "Artificial Sweeteners Negatively Regulate Pathogenic Characteristics of Two Model Gut Bacteria, E. coli and E. faecalis." National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  23. "Dietary fat, the gut microbiota, and metabolic health - A systematic review conducted within the MyNewGut project." PubMed.
  24. "Exercise Modifies the Gut Microbiota with Positive Health Effects." National Center for Biotechnology Information.
  25. "New study points to another possible correlation between sleep and overall good health." Science Daily.
  26. "Stress & the gut-brain axis: Regulation by the microbiome." Science Direct.
  27. "The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: Alcohol Effects on the Composition of Intestinal Microbiota." PubMed.
  28. "Dietary variety relates to gut microbiota diversity and abundance in humans." Springer Link.
Dr. Dhingra
Dr. Harshi Dhingra
Medical Reviewer
Dr Harshi Dhingra is a licensed medical doctor with a specialization in Pathology. Dr. Dhingra has of over a decade in diagnostic, clinical, research and teaching work, including managing all sections of Pathology laboratory including histopathology, cytology, hematology and clinical Pathology.
Ada Sandoval
Ada Sandoval
Content Contributor
Ada Sandoval is a B.S. in Nursing graduate and a registered nurse with a heart for abandoned animals. She works as a content writer who specializes in medical-related articles and pet health.
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