With the number of bacteria living inside every single one of our bodies, it’s amazing that so many of us are as healthy as we are. Of course, that’s only because bacteria carries a negative stigma with it everywhere it goes. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of bacteria out there designed to harm us, but that doesn’t mean all bacteria are harmful. In fact, some bacteria are necessary and required for keeping your body healthy long-term. The key to living a healthy life is obtaining the proper balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria.
Unfortunately, many people struggle to achieve this balance, leading to a wide range of health concerns, especially since most of the good bacteria inside the body is located in the gut. The good news is there are a variety of ways you can improve your gut bacteria — including Viome. So, what is Viome, and how does it work? Let’s take a complete look at their at-home testing and custom supplements in this Viome review.
About Viome
Viome is a revolutionary supplement company that’s redefining what it takes to maintain a healthy gut — and really, a healthy body. They do what most supplement companies aren’t willing to do, allowing them to provide their customers with personalized and customized services. They’re much more than just a supplement company. Viome is truly a health awareness company founded on the principle that every human body is unique and therefore requires a unique diet. Viome provides an at-home test that measures your blood and stool. When you send the test back, Viome analyzes the results, and you can view them on a mobile app.
The results are extensive and provide you with diet recommendations (what to eat, what to avoid) and supplement recommendations. Viome also provides you with monthly supplements customized to your diet and health needs. They retest you every 6 months to ensure the supplements and recommendations stay current.
Why Is Gut Health So Important?
Many people consider your gut microbiome as your immune system’s first line of defense — and for good reason. Did you know your gut lining is home to nearly 70% of the cells making up your immune system? It’s what makes a healthy gut microbiome so important. Your gut microbiome consists of all the bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungus, and mold living in your gut. It’s believed that a healthy gut is home to about 85% good bacteria and 15% bad bacteria. Maintaining this balance is essential to everyday health.
The gut barrier helps keep out pathogens and bad bacteria while letting in nutrients, water, and electrolytes. Any issue with the gut barrier causes toxins from the outside environment to enter the gut, which is where it starts wreaking havoc on the body.
What Is Metatranscriptomic Sequencing Technology?
Viome utilizes metatranscriptomic sequencing technology, which allows them to see every single microorganism inside your body. It’s a revolutionary process that’s capable of sequencing the gut microbiome in as little as a few weeks—that process used to take 15 years. By breaking down your gut microbiome, Viome analyzes the way your gut works and where it can improve.
Metatranscriptomic sequencing technology gives them the data they need to see if you’re processing nutrients properly, if you’re eating too much of something, or not enough of something. Viome also utilizes Pathway Analysis & Translational Science to help personalize and specialize scores that showcase the current state of someone’s gut health.
How Does Artificial Intelligence Help?
Metatranscriptomic sequencing technology and translational science aren’t the only two technologies they use in their service. Artificial intelligence plays a vital role in helping them improve their service over time for each individual customer. They use AI when finding patterns in your body gene expression data, knowledge-based reasoning, and machine learning play a major role in the process. Ultimately, your results are put through a never-ending cycle of utilizing the latest knowledge and technology to improve the recommendations every time you take a test.
Can You Trust Viome?
There are a lot of supplement companies that throw together a one-size-fits-all formula and call it a day. They generally don’t have any scientists or health professionals on board and simply utilize what they see on the internet. The good news with Viome is that’s not them. They have a scientific advisory board that consists of five experts in their fields, including Alessio Fasano (Harvard Medical School), Daniel Kraft (Singularity University), Andrew McCallum (University of Massachusetts Amherst), Ray Kurzweil (Google), and Emeran Mayer (UCLA). Viome also has a Chief Translational Science Officer, Chief Science Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Executive Officer onboard to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s clear their product is held to a high standard.
Viome Products
Viome offers several products, including:
1. Gut Intelligence Test
This at-home stool test provides a deep analysis of your gut microbiome health and microbial gene expression. It measures inflammatory activity, overall gas production, protein fermentation, intestinal barrier health, digestive efficiency, and metabolic fitness. It costs $129 (on sale from $299).
2. Health Intelligence Test
This comprehensive test includes everything in the Gut Intelligence test but also adds human and mitochondrial gene expression. It assesses gut microbiome health, mitochondrial health, cellular health, biological age, stress response, immune system health, and more. It costs $199 (on sale from $599).
3. Precision Prebiotics & Probiotics
This monthly subscription starts with a Gut Intelligence test and then provides a personalized probiotic and prebiotic supplement regimen. It costs $60 per month and includes a new test every 6 months.
4. Precision Supplements
This monthly subscription starts with a Health Intelligence test and provides a comprehensive supplement regimen, including prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and food extracts. It costs $199 per month.
5. Viome App
The Viome app brings all your test results, analysis, and recommendations under a single roof, accessible via smartphone or internet browser. It’s organized and user-friendly.
Viome Pros Vs. Cons
Pros
- Utilizes advanced Metatranscriptomic Sequencing Technology, Translational Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
- Personalized monthly supplements sent directly to your house.
- Detailed nutrition and supplement recommendations.
- Comprehensive test results covering gut microbiome, cellular health, mitochondrial health, and more.
- Access to a scientific advisory board and other industry experts.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options.
- AI, while helpful, is not perfect and can involve some human error.
- Waiting period for test results and supplements.
- Health Intelligence test requires up to 8 pills per day.
- Requires adherence to recommendations for best results.
Claims Vs. Reality
Viome’s claims are largely backed by science and innovation. Unlike many supplement companies offering one-size-fits-all solutions, Viome provides personalized recommendations based on individual microbiome analysis. While the technology isn’t perfect, Viome is committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
Viome Alternatives
Other companies providing similar services include uBiome, Biohm, American Gut, and Thryve, which often use 16S sequencing or metagenomic analysis. Viome’s technology is more advanced, providing more accurate and comprehensive results.
Final Verdict: Viome
At-home microbial gene sequencing and testing is still a relatively new concept. Viome stands out due to its advanced technology and personalized approach. If you’re dealing with major gut issues, it’s best to see a doctor directly. However, for those looking to improve gut health and overall wellness, Viome is an excellent option.
Summary
Viome offers personalized gut health solutions through advanced technology and AI. With comprehensive testing and tailored supplements, Viome helps you achieve and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. While it’s a significant investment, the benefits for long-term health and wellness are substantial.
Comments