
At Nahibu, we perform our microbiome analysis using metagenomics, a cutting-edge technique that sequences the DNA from complex samples, including soil, air, or stool. Metagenomics allows us to study bacteria in their natural environment without the need for culturing them in a lab, which is the traditional method used in microbiology.
This advancement has enabled the discovery of many bacteria that cannot be cultivated in a lab setting, greatly enhancing our understanding of the gut microbiome.
What Are the Methods for Studying the Microbiome?
There are two primary methods for gut microbiome analysis: shotgun metagenomics and 16S rRNA sequencing. Why not simply culture the bacteria in a traditional lab to study our gut flora? Many gut bacteria cannot survive in our environment, as they grow without oxygen. Plus, we host around 100 trillion bacteria in our bodies—imagine the space required to culture them all! Additionally, hundreds of bacterial species have specific conditions for growth. This is why microbiome studies involve DNA analysis, which allows us to identify which bacteria are present by decoding their genetic material.
Limitations of Targeted Stool Tests or Breath Tests
Other techniques, such as targeted stool tests or breath tests, do not offer a comprehensive view of the gut microbiome. These tests measure specific markers like calprotectin or other compounds found in stool, or target certain bacteria that are cultured in a lab to detect their presence. However, they don't provide an overall picture of the gut flora, as they focus on specific markers or bacteria.
Breath tests measure gases before and after consuming a sugary meal to assess gas production, but they do not analyze the bacterial composition of the gut microbiome. Even though some tests are labeled "microbiome tests," they don't offer a complete analysis of the microbiome, which consists of hundreds of bacterial species. Only metagenomics can provide a full and precise description of the microbiome.
What Is 16S rRNA Sequencing?
16S rRNA sequencing studies a gene found in all bacteria—the 16S rRNA gene. This gene varies among bacterial genera, allowing the identification of the bacterial composition in a sample by mainly describing the genera present.
What Is Shotgun Metagenomics?
Metagenomics, or environmental genomics, is a comprehensive method for studying the genetic content of a sample from complex environments like the gut. It allows us to analyze all genes present in the sample.
Why Choose a Shotgun Metagenomics Test?
Shotgun metagenomics, the technique used by Nahibu, analyzes the DNA of all bacteria present in the sample without bias. This technique provides users with key indicators such as the diversity and balance of the gut microbiome, a complete and precise map of the bacterial composition, and the functional potential of the microbiome. The functional potential refers to the roles the detected bacteria may play in our bodies. However, this is a potential, as not all bacterial DNA is constantly active—some genes remain silent.
Shotgun metagenomics differs from 16S rRNA sequencing, which is more limited as it only targets one gene. Metagenomics provides a more detailed view of the bacteria present in a sample.
A More Precise Bacterial Description
One of the advantages of shotgun metagenomics is its superior resolution in identifying bacteria. This technique allows us to classify bacteria more accurately, down to the species or even strain level, while 16S rRNA sequencing often only identifies bacteria at the genus level. Since different strains of bacteria can have different functions, it's crucial to capture these subtleties.
Revealing the Potential Function of Your Microbiome
Shotgun metagenomics also allows us to describe the entire metagenome and explain the overall functioning of the microbiome. This approach can extract the functional potential of the microbiome, which is impossible with 16S rRNA sequencing. Functional potential refers to how the microbiome might impact our metabolism and bodily functions. At Nahibu, we believe it's not enough to simply list the bacteria in a sample—you need to understand their potential roles to grasp the strengths and weaknesses of your microbiome. This is why we use shotgun metagenomics, a comprehensive, unbiased approach that reveals the functional potential of your gut flora.
How Does Nahibu Present Your Functional Potential?
The results of Nahibu's functional potential analysis are presented in categories with a score for each function. This gives you a clear and precise view of where your microbiome excels or underperforms. Based on these results, we provide personalized recommendations for foods or supplements to help you improve these functions.
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