Method: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing (CLIA 21D2062464); not cleared or approved by the FDA. Results reflect relative microbial abundance for wellness education purposes. Not intended to diagnose or treat disease and not a substitute for clinical consultation. Microbial associations are based on emerging scientific research and may change over time.
A derived biomarker is a value that is calculated from other directly measured biomarkers rather than being measured directly in the lab.
Key benefits of Bacteroides testing
- Dominant fiber-fermenting genus tracking
- core Bacteroidota genus abundance assessment
What is Bacteroides?
Bacteroides is the dominant genus of the Bacteroidota phylum and one of the most abundant and well-studied gut genera. Bacteroides species are primary fermenters of complex carbohydrates and major propionate producers. Detected by shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Why is Bacteroides important?
Bacteroides species degrade a wide range of dietary polysaccharides and produce propionate and acetate. Adequate Bacteroides abundance is associated with robust carbohydrate fermentation capacity. Species composition within this genus varies between individuals and dietary patterns.
What insights will I get?
Your Bacteroides level reflects the abundance of this dominant gut genus. Combined with Bacteroidota phylum data and the Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio, it provides context on your gut's carbohydrate fermentation ecosystem.
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