How Microbiomix Helps Reveal Your Patient's Gut Function

A Clinician's Guide to Functional Microbiome Testing

In functional medicine, we often talk about the gut microbiome's importance but it's not just who is there that matters. It's what those microbes are capable of doing. Genova's Microbiomix™ test offers a breakthrough view into microbial function, identifying gene-level potential for inflammation, detox disruption, and hormone interference. For clinicians, this functional layer unlocks a deeper level of precision and personalization in gut health assessment.

Why Microbial Function Matters More Than Presence Alone

Traditional stool testing tells us which microbes are present. But Microbiomix uses whole-genome sequencing to reveal the metabolic potential encoded in those microbes' DNA. That means clinicians can detect the potential for disease-driving activity long before symptoms appear.

For example:

• A patient may have low-pathogenic B. fragilis present, but Microbiomix reveals they carry the B. fragilis toxin gene which is a potential trigger for immune dysregulation and colorectal cancer risk.
• A seemingly balanced gut may still show high genetic potential for hydrogen sulfide production, a gas linked to epithelial damage and IBD.
• Elevated expression potential for beta-glucuronidase genes may help explain hormonal recirculation or detoxification bottlenecks.
• Presence of histidine decarboxylase gene clusters indicates histamine-producing capacity, relevant for patients with unexplained allergic or mood symptoms.
• Detection of urease genes reflects microbial capacity for ammonia generation, which may impair gut barrier integrity and contribute to neuroinflammatory burden.

The Longevity Link

Chronic inflammation, impaired detoxification, and gut barrier dysfunction are all upstream drivers of age-related disease. Microbiomix offers a new lens to detect these risks early. The difference here is we're not relying on symptoms, but instead the functional potential of the gut microbiome. Clinicians can use this data to reduce inflammatory tone, support detox pathways, and fine-tune the microbiome for long-term resilience.

Why Pair Microbiomix with GI Effects?

GI Effects gives you a detailed picture of current digestion, inflammation, and actual microbial load, helping to answer "yes/no" questions (e.g., Do I have inflammation?). Microbiomix reveals what the microbes in the gut are primed to do. Together, they offer unmatched insight:

• GI Effects identifies elevated beta-glucuronidase activity while Microbiomix shows whether gene potential for it is also elevated.
• GI Effects detects inflammation while Microbiomix identifies microbial contributors like hexa-LPS or hydrogen sulfide genes.
• GI Effects finds commensal imbalances while Microbiomix guides how to shift function, not just species.

Putting It All Together

Microbiomix bridges the gap between taxonomy and function, giving practitioners the clarity they need to target root causes with unprecedented precision. Whether you're troubleshooting a resistant case or supporting someone on their longevity path, the combination of GI Effects and Microbiomix provides the most comprehensive map of gut health available today.

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