At-Home Gut Health Test Kit: I Don’t Recommend
Living with IBS has taught me the importance of knowing what’s going on with my gut health. Over the years, I’ve tried countless gut health test kits, many of which were marketed as the ultimate solution. Yet, most offered little value compared to their hefty prices.
After much trial and error, I discovered a high-quality yet affordable at-home gut health test kit that truly was helpful. In addition to that, I also tried a premium gut health support program. (The details of which I have shared in the review below)
So let’s get started.
What is an At-Home Gut Health Test?
An at-home gut health test helps you understand the composition of microorganisms in your intestines. By analyzing a small stool sample, these tests identify the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and archaea.
You typically use a scooper or swab to collect a sample, which you then seal in a vial and mail back to the company.
The company will email you a microbiome assessment after a few weeks. This report lists the types of microorganisms found in your gut and indicates whether you are at risk for certain diseases or disorders.
In addition to identifying microorganisms, many tests offer dietary and lifestyle recommendations tailored to your microbiome. Some companies also sell probiotics, which they claim are customized for your specific needs.
Most tests analyze the DNA of bacteria and fungi in your sample. However, the technology has limitations and often identifies only a fraction of the microorganisms present in your gut.
The insights provided by these tests can vary.
Premium kits usually come with long-lasting membership programs, offering better support and more comprehensive insights. On the other hand, cheaper tests still perform the essential functions but may offer less support and fewer details.
Story Time… (My Experience with At-Home Gut Health Tests)
As a nutritionist myself, I was initially skeptical about at-home gut health tests. I didn’t fully trust them to measure gut health accurately. However, my curiosity as a researcher got the better of me, and I decided to try these tests from the comfort of my home.
The first test I tried was from Amazon, branded as AFIL. The experience was surprisingly smooth. The kit arrived promptly, and the instructions were clear. I sent in my stool sample and awaited the results.
Encouraged by the positive experience with AFIL, I decided to try more premium programs. I looked into Zoe and Viome. But before investing a significant amount, I went deep into Reddit and crawled down all the threads and comments to find the most candid reviews. (Which don’t show up on Google when you search “best gut health test kit”. Those are just sponsored ads, biased reviews – a bunch of crap)
Anyway, with my deep digging, I found that more people were happy with Zoe and less with Viome (they were saying it wasn’t much value for money, the customer support was poor blah blah), so I went ahead with the former.
And also because at that time I wanted to lose weight, which was a struggle due to my history with IBS. And Zoe was offering personalized nutrition according to one’s gut health conditions – which was a new and quite intriguing concept to me back in 2020 – the crazy COVID times.
Long story short, settling with Zoe was NOT disappointing, it did help me manage my IBS but also significantly aided in my weight loss journey. The results were encouraging, and I felt better overall.
Read below my detailed reviews of each kit I tried, including specific insights and outcomes.
Selecting the Best Gut Health Test Kit
When choosing an at-home gut health test kit, there are several crucial factors to consider. Understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision and ultimately improve your overall digestive well-being.
Opt for Reputable Providers
To ensure accurate results, it’s essential to select a gut health test from a reputable provider. I always make sure the company uses CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified labs. These certifications indicate that the labs undergo regular inspections and adhere to stringent quality standards. Companies like Viome and Zoe are known for their validated testing methods and reliable outcomes.
Turnaround Time
The time it takes to receive your results can be a significant factor. While some companies may deliver results within 2-3 weeks, others could take up to 6 weeks. I prefer kits that connect directly to a smartphone app, as they often offer quicker results and ongoing support. If timing is crucial for your health decisions, checking the expected turnaround times is a must.
Compare the Cost and Value of Different Tests
Cost plays a substantial role in deciding which test to purchase. Prices generally range from $100 to $200. Some kits are HSA- or FSA-eligible, which can help offset the cost. Though choosing a monthly subscription might reduce initial costs, I tend to look at the long-term expenses, as they can add up over time. Assessing the overall value, including follow-up support and additional resources, is key.
Sample Collection Technique:
The method of sample collection can significantly affect convenience and comfort. Kits often require stool samples, which can be awkward. I look for kits that offer simpler methods, such as using a swab or even hair. For example, AFIL uses hair samples, which I find far more convenient than traditional methods. Evaluating this feature can make the process much easier.
Details in Results
The comprehensiveness of the test results is vital. Some tests, like those from Viome, provide extensive data on the specific bacteria, nutrients, and other elements found in your gut. Others offer a more general overview, which might not be as useful. I prioritize tests that not only diagnose but also suggest actionable steps for improving gut health, including dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes.
Subscription Services vs. One-Time Purchases
Subscription services offer ongoing tracking and updates, which can be beneficial for continuous monitoring. I’ve noticed that while these services might seem more expensive initially, they often provide more in-depth and continuous insights into your gut health. On the other hand, one-time purchases can be simpler and more cost-effective if ongoing monitoring is not a priority for you.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the gut health test kit that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize accuracy, cost, convenience, or detailed insights, a thoughtful approach will ensure you get the most out of your at-home gut health testing experience.
The Best At-home Gut Health Test Kit
When choosing the best at-home gut health test kit, I focused on ease of use, accuracy, and reliability. After trying two different kits and exploring a third with mixed reviews, here’s what I found most vital.
Key Factors:
- Stool Sample: Convenient and non-invasive collection methods.
- Ship: Easy shipping with prepaid labels.
- Sequencing: Advanced techniques to ensure detailed results.
- Lab: Certified labs with high standards.
- Turnaround Time: Quick results to avoid long waits.
Most Reliable Kit: Zoe
Zoe tops my list. The stool collection process is straightforward, and the prepaid return ensures smooth shipping. The lab employs advanced sequencing methods, producing detailed and accurate results. The turnaround time is also impressive, usually within two weeks.
Second Choice: AFIL
This kit also performed well but lacked the ease of use found with Zoe. The sample collection was a bit cumbersome. However, the results were accurate, and the lab used reliable sequencing methods. Turnaround time was around three weeks.
Third Choice: Viome
Exploring this kit, I encountered mixed reviews. The stool sample process was easy, and shipping was simple. However, I found some comments about variability in lab results and longer turnaround times. While it’s a decent option, I preferred the consistency of Zoe.
AFIL Premium Gut Health Test Kit Review
Cost
The AFIL Premium At-Home Gut Health Test Kit is priced at $199. While it may seem a bit high, the comprehensive data it provides makes it worth the investment.
Sample Collection Technique
Collecting a sample with this kit is straightforward. The kit includes a small swab that you use to collect a fecal sample. It’s quick and designed to be as hygienic as possible.
Results Offered
The results include a detailed analysis of your gut microbiome. They cover various bacteria, their populations, and what this means for your gut health. You also get personalized dietary recommendations to improve your gut flora.
Certifications
The AFIL Premium kit is CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited, ensuring that the testing meets high standards of accuracy and reliability.
My Experience as a User
Using the AFIL Premium kit was a breeze for me. The instructions were easy to follow. Swabbing and sending out the sample took only a few minutes. Within a couple of weeks, I received a detailed report with easy-to-understand explanations and actionable insights for improving my gut health.
Zoe’s Nutritional Program
Cost
The Zoe Nutrition Program has an upfront cost of $249 for the initial testing. Membership options then vary:
- 1 month: $59 per month
- 4 months: $39 per month (paid upfront for $156)
- 12 months: $29 per month (paid upfront for $348)
Sample Collection Technique
Collecting a sample was straightforward. The instructions were clear, and I didn’t have to store my stool sample in the fridge, which was a relief. The sample goes into a special solution that preserves it until it’s mailed in.
Results Offered
Zoe doesn’t just stop at gut microbiome analysis. It also provides insights into metabolic health and blood glucose levels. Wearing a continuous glucose monitor for a week and eating specific test muffins allowed them to assess my blood fat and blood sugar responses.
My Experience as a User
The anticipation was real as I love personal health data.
Zoe involved a series of steps:
- Wearing a glucose monitor,
- Eating test muffins,
- Doing a blood fat test at home,
- And mailing in a stool sample.
When my results came in, I learned that I had a poor blood sugar response, worse blood fat response, and suboptimal gut health. Not entirely surprising given my history of high cholesterol and IBS.
Based on my data, Zoe recommended a diet rich in high-fiber, low-fat foods like beans, vegetables, whole grains, and vegan fat sources. I appreciated how they allow for flexibility by combining lower-scoring foods with higher-scoring ones.
Following the program Monday through Friday and relaxing my diet on weekends helped me balance my goals with my busy lifestyle as a mom. I aimed to lose 30 pounds and had lost 25 by the time I ended my membership.
Zoe also provided tips on stress management, sleep, and habit formation, making the program feel very comprehensive.
Viome Gut Microbiome Test
Cost
Viome’s Gut Intelligence Kit costs $279. This includes the entire testing process, from the kit shipment to the delivery of your personalized results. The pricing is relatively competitive compared to other commercial kits.
Sample Collection Technique
The sample collection is done at home using a simple stool sample collection method. The kit provides clear instructions, making the process quite straightforward. The stability of the collected samples at ambient temperature is also ensured.
Results Offered
Viome provides a detailed analysis of your gut microbiome. The test results include information about the abundance of different microorganisms, and nutritional recommendations to optimize your gut health. Additionally, the results provide insights into potential digestive issues.
My Experience as a User
Note that I have NOT used Viome’s test because I was not convinced by the reviews I read online and from what I heard from my peers who had tried Viome. The reviews were very mixed. Some said it was good, while others did not recommend it, calling it pricey and not worth the money. This is why I chose Zoe instead.
But anyway, here’s what some of its users had to say:
User Reviews
1. Disappointing Service and Delays
“I was excited to use Viome after having some gut health issues and can see something like it working great one day. HOWEVER, use any other service. They were constantly delayed in every facet of my experience. What they said should take a few weeks ended up taking MONTHS. I waited for the kit to arrive, I then waited 2 months for my results, and then my supplements took another 2 months. all of this for a $200 a month service….come on. Their supplements have so many things in them I’m too scared to take them. I am talking hundreds of ingredients. Then when I ask to cancel this expensive, delayed service, they tell me I have to pay $200 just to CANCEL. When I explained my dissatisfaction they didn’t even apologize or understand. A follow-up email then just assumes the service is too costly for me and to drop to a lesser subscription. Always nice to have a company ignoring your complaint and then assuming you are poor. Such a waste for a company that could have potential. Don’t waste that money and instead just use it to buy quality food and gym memberships.”
Verified Viome User
2. Concerns About Science and Safety
“I took the Viome Gut Intelligence Test but it turns out to be more pseudoscience than science and unfortunately their marketing outpaces the science. I filled out the loooong questionnaire and told them I was on a low histamine diet and had several low-level autoimmune conditions. They sent me a list of ‘superfoods’ that included several foods with high histamines and it caused a severe breakout of hives. The supplements also included Quercetin which my doctor pointed out is known to trigger autoimmune diseases—something I cautiously listed on my questionnaire. Do not trust Viome to navigate your precious health!”
Verfied Viome User
3. Useful Scores but Generic Recommendations
“Yes, I’ve done it twice. It’s good for the scores (like Gut Lining Health, Microbial Diversity) and you get the list of active microbes which is interesting so it can help direct you on where to focus. However, I can’t recommend the food and supplement plan. They recently added a description as to why they recommend each food which made me realize they recommend the same food and supplements for everyone with SIBO and IBS.”
Verified Viome User
Long Wait Times
“FYI Viome takes forever for results—by the time I get my results I’m not even sure my gut microbes will be the same. (Takes 3 weeks for them to receive the sample; they said there is a delay currently. No idea when the results will be in but sounds like it may be closer to 4-6 weeks more rather than the 2-3 weeks I was told originally). So if you do the Viome tests, know that it could be 2+ months for results.”
Verified Viome User
Positive Experience Despite App Limitations
“I don’t know a ton about Viome’s process. I will say it’s significantly improved my symptoms (I’d tried a lot of other things without success). I assume it’s an imperfect app, so I also trust my own knowledge (worked hard to develop), but stick to their plan 95%. I haven’t started the supplements (will soon). Going to continue with it as it’s worked well so far. I will eventually try the other companies and see how the data compares from each one, and try to use some intuition to fill in the gaps/ analyze the data they provide.”
Verified Viome User
Clear Expectations and Satisfactory Results
“Wife and I did Viome. They set the expectations fairly clearly on wait times on their site and in the app. We did ours in February and we received the results in the amount of time they had given. We are trying out their monthly supplement subscription, and so far so good.”
Verified Viome User
Conclusion
I’ve spent a lot of time researching and testing various at-home gut health test kits. While these kits can be interesting, they really aren’t worth spending a lot of money on unless you have plenty to spare.
Points to consider:
- Cost: These kits are often pricey and can be seen more as a luxury or an accessory.
- Support: They do not offer adequate support for users with underlying chronic health issues.
- Approval: None of these kits are FDA-approved.
Reliability Concerns:
Testing kits in the market today do not promise a solid solution to gut health problems. I haven’t seen many healthcare professionals recommend them either, and they can be unreliable.
With one wrong recommendation from the test kit, you might trigger allergies and potentially end up in the ER. It’s a risk that’s not worth taking, in my opinion.
If you are really determined to try one, please invest in a credible option rather than opting for a cheaper alternative. Quality matters, especially when it comes to your health.
