Self-tests are trendy. Anyone who would like to find out more about the composition of their intestinal flora can also find offers on the Internet to analyze the so-called microbiome. They are intended to help get to the bottom of unclear intestinal problems and optimize individual nutrition. The analysis is also useful for digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, allergies or susceptibility to infections.
Stool test at home, evaluation by the provider
The process is simple: You buy a test set, take a stool sample at home, send it to the provider for analysis and receive an evaluation from them – including nutritional and action recommendations to optimize the intestinal microbiome.
Researchers see risks for financial exploitation
This is not supported by research, on the contrary. A group led by US scientist Diane Hoffmann from the University of Maryland School of Law sees consumers being financially exploited or harmed by microbiome analyses, for example if they rely on inaccurate test results or nutritional recommendations that are not scientifically based.
According to the researchers’ research, there are 31 commercial providers worldwide. Almost half of them also sell nutritional supplements, which they recommend to customers based on the analysis. In the journal Science, Hoffmann and her team call for regulation of this lifestyle industry and criticize the fact that providers do not have to prove the validity and benefits of the tests.
Live healthy with Stiftung Warentest
Stool tests that make sense. Unlike microbiome self-tests, stool tests are established and useful for the early detection of colon cancer. The costs are also covered by the health insurance for people over 50. You can read more about this topic in our article on colon cancer prevention.
Strengthen the immune system. What weakens our defenses? Do you get training or support? We answer these questions in our article How to make your immune system fit. Our guide for a fit immune system offers extensive information.
Question additional preparations. Nutritional supplements are often unnecessary. We explain which vitamins and minerals you need. We also regularly test various preparations. The nutritional supplements topic page shows our current research.
German specialist society advises against commercial tests
The German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) described microbiome analyzes as “expensive and pointless” in 2018. “Not much has changed in this assessment,” says Birgit Terjung, chief physician in the department of internal medicine and gastroenterology at GFO Kliniken Bonn and media spokeswoman for the DGVS. “These tests are in no way standardized or validated.” There is also no agreement on what constitutes a healthy intestinal microbiome. The microbiome is very individual – like a fingerprint.
“It is therefore very problematic to base further recommendations on changing your diet or taking pre- and probiotics or nutritional supplements on these stool analysis results,” explains Terjung. Gastroenterologists and family doctors often receive these self-tests from their patients.
Tips for consumers
Save yourself the money on commercial microbiome tests. The costs, starting from 150 euros, are not covered by statutory health insurance companies. If you have abdominal problems such as flatulence, constipation or diarrhea, a nutritional log can initially help to identify possible connections between the symptoms and certain foods. Always have any symptoms clarified by a doctor, especially if they persist or if there are alarm symptoms such as fever, blood in the stool, night sweats or significant unwanted weight loss. Talk to your doctor before permanently changing your diet or taking nutritional supplements.