Best gut microbiome tests in the UK
Here we rank some of the best at-home microbiome tests available in the UK. These tests have become popular as they can give you a good indication of your gut health without having to visit a healthcare professional.
As we will see, some gut health tests are cheap and focus on the essentials, whereas others are extremely in-depth covering many types of health markers and can involve consultations with professionals if you choose.
Please note this article contains affiliate links.
What is a gut microbiome test?
A microbiome test analyses the diversity of microorganisms in your gut, mainly bacteria and fungi. This is done by having a detailed look at a sample of your stool in a lab. You then will get an in-depth report which gives you a customised overview of your microbiome and gut health.
A gut health test is valuable because it lets you know if you have a healthy and balanced microbiome or not. It also tells you whether you are harbouring certain bacterial groups which could be linked to long-term health issues.
This evidence base can then be used to inform particular lifestyle changes. Or, if needed, you can take it to a healthcare professional to develop targeted plans for addressing any issues you might have discovered.
How do stool tests work
Most gut health tests are easily done at home via the post. This makes them extremely convenient and private. In most cases you will never have to interact with anyone face to face.
You will normally receive a testing kit in the post with everything you will need. You will then extract a sample of your stool and send it back to the lab where they will analyse it. Following this you will usually receive a report by email which will explain the results of your test. And some packages allow you to discuss the results with a professional.
Cost of gut microbiome tests
The tests often do not come cheaply which is to be expected considering the scientific expertise and resources it takes to thoroughly analyse the array of microbes and other factors in your stool.
Tests range in how comprehensive they are and so do the costs. The more basic tests start at around £99. Packages which include after-test support go up to around £500. However, these packages can offer a remarkable amount of guidance and individual support for you. They will give you a very clear understanding of your gut health and an expert, evidence-based plan for it going forwards.
While these prices are not an insignificant amount of money, we believe the insights that can be gained from them are easily worth the money. The test will either uncover some health issues, let you know which factors can be improved or simply give you peace of mind that your gut is in good health.
It is an investment in your health which justifies the cost in our opinion.
Below we will look at a range of gut health test options to find which might be most suitable for you.
Best affordable gut health test
GetTested Gut Microbiome Test Small
GetTested offers this at-home microbiome test for those looking for an insight into their gut health without outlaying a lot of money.
What the test covers
The test analyses 13 common bacteria, 4 yeasts and gives a pH value of your stool. This includes Escheria coli, Escherichia coli Biovar, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Serratia, Hafnia, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Candida spp, Candida albicans and Geotrichum candidum.
The report
The report should arrive within 10 business days. It is presented simply and uses colour coding so you can easily see where you fit in the normal range and where you don’t.
Price
This basic test costs £99.
Best mid-range gut health test
Verisana Gut Flora & Biome Analysis test
Verisana is a respected German company which does extensive health tests.
This at-home test covers many gut health factors and gives an easily understandable insight into the make up of your gut.
What the test covers
The test covers a wide array of bacteria, fungi, yeasts and physiological biomarkers.
Specifically it analyses Escherichia coli, Proteus, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, other Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococci, Pseudomonas, Bacteroides, Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Clostridia, Candida albicans, Candida species, Geotrichum candidum, Helicobacter pylori, yeast, pancreatic elastase 1, alpha-1-antitrypsin and secretory IgA.
It also tests for the pH of your stool.
The report
The report is easy to understand and colour coded to see if you fit into normal ranges.
Sample of the report
Each of the tested categories is explained simply and information is given as to what issues might arise if your levels are not normal. For example, for the category Lactobacilli the report states:
Lactobacilli are lactic acid forming bacteria, which produce large amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFAs lower the intestinal pH and thereby make the gut milieu acidic — unsuitable for microbial pathogens (e.g. yeasts). In addition, lactobacilli secrete antifungal and antimicrobial agents. Low levels of lactobacilli indicate disturbances of the intestinal flora.
Download a sample report of what you will receive.
Price
This mid-range test costs £199.
Best comprehensive gut health test
Healthpath Ultimate Package
This package is for those who want more than just a gut health test and want expert support and guidance also.
(Although you can choose to not pay for the support and just get the extensive test.)
What the test covers
The test itself is remarkably comprehensive. Healthpath claims to have the most comprehensive test in the UK which measures over 100 biomarkers.
Along with testing your microbiome composition of bacteria, fungi and yeasts very extensively (covering 61 species), the test also:
checks if you have leaky gut
checks your immune response and inflammatory markers
sees if your digestion is working well
analyses parasites
includes early bowel cancer detection
analyses archaea
analyses histamine, butyrate and hydrogen-sulphide-producing bacteria
Further support in the package
In contrast to other tests, your journey with Healthpath doesn’t end after receiving the report. There is a vast amount of support and guidance yet to come.
In the package you will get:
a practitioner review of your test results and a personal video from them to explain the results
a bespoke health plan. This is 12-week health plan based on your symptoms and results
a personalised supplement plan in which a practitioner will select the best supplements to support your individual gut health
a meal plan which includes shopping lists and recipes
a symptom review in which a practitioner will review your symptom survey to ensure your health plan, supplement recommendations and analysis are tailored to you
a health coaching call which is a 30-minute personal consultation with an experienced practitioner. This allows you to talk through your results, get 1-to-1 support and discuss next steps
As you can see, the amount of individual support offered is incredible and will leave you with all your questions answered and a path forward guided by experts.
Price
The price for the Ultimate Package including everything above was £495. (However, they do have cheaper packages if you don’t need this level of support.)
What other people say about Healthpath
On Trustpilot, Healthpath has an ‘Excellent’ rated score of 4.7 out of 5.
Testimonial
Sophie in November 2024 said of Healthpath:
“Healthpath has helped me take a more holistic approach to my health. I'm feeling better than I have in years. I think even more importantly I, understand my health so much more in terms of better foods to eat and lifestyle decisions to make that support my health. Thank you so much!“
Your reviewer
This article was written by Travis, the founder of this website, long-time gut-health enthusiast, science nerd and passionate kombucha maker of over 10 years!
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