Key Scientific Insights - At A Glance
- The human gut contains trillions of microorganisms across thousands of species that profoundly influence overall health
- Microbiome composition affects digestion, immunity, metabolism, and neurological function
- Our multi-kingdom approach combines five advanced technologies for unprecedented analysis depth
- Species-level identification enables precise, personalised recommendations
- Global benchmarking contextualises your results against diverse reference populations
Comprehensive scientific methodology explained
Our testing methodology represents the convergence of Danish innovation and global scientific excellence:
This approach combines the highest standards of Danish precision with advanced bioinformatic processing, ensuring reliable and actionable results.
Our analysis begins with a simple, non-invasive collection process:
Our Danish analytical partnership represents a commitment to quality, precision and advanced scientific methods. European standards in microbiome analysis are among the most rigorous worldwide, ensuring reliable results that truly represent your gut ecosystem.
We utilise state-of-the-art shotgun metagenomic sequencing technology that goes beyond basic microbiome testing approaches. Our technology captures the full diversity of your gut microorganisms with exceptional precision and reproducibility.
Raw sequencing data requires sophisticated computational analysis to transform millions of DNA fragments into meaningful information. Our approach employs multiple complementary methods to ensure accurate identification.
Most microbiome tests focus exclusively on bacteria, missing crucial components of your gut ecosystem. Our multi-kingdom analysis examines bacteria, fungi, and archaea—the three domains of life present in your digestive system.
The bacterial component of your gut ecosystem is analysed in exceptional detail, revealing species-level information that basic tests often miss, providing the foundation for understanding your microbiome's functional capacity.
Beyond bacteria, we analyse often-overlooked fungi and archaea that play important roles in your gut ecosystem, revealing interactions invisible to conventional microbiome testing.
Understanding your microbiome in isolation has limited value. We provide context by comparing your results to multiple reference populations, offering a richer understanding of your microbial patterns.
Your microbiome is compared against a carefully selected cohort of individuals with optimal digestive function, providing a relevant benchmark for interpretation.
We include comparisons to microbiome patterns found in traditional societies, offering valuable context about how modern lifestyles influence gut ecosystems.
Your results are also compared against examples of exceptional diversity and potential imbalance patterns, helping you understand where your gut ecosystem falls on the spectrum.
Biodiversity is a key indicator of microbiome health. Our proprietary scoring system integrates multiple diversity metrics into an actionable assessment, translating complex ecological measures into practical insights.
Alpha diversity measures the ecological diversity within your personal gut ecosystem, with higher values may influence greater resilience.
Biodiversity relates directly to your microbiome's ability to resist disruption and recover from challenges. Our analysis evaluates factors that contribute to this important quality.
Our advanced sequencing approach enables unprecedented taxonomic resolution, moving beyond genus-level identification to species-specific insights that inform targeted approaches.
While basic tests often stop at identifying bacterial groups, our technology distinguishes individual species—revealing crucial differences that influence health outcomes.
We combine your microbial composition data with the metadata you provide about your diet and lifestyle, offering insights into how your daily choices may be influencing your microbiome.
This detailed identification translates directly into more targeted, effective recommendations—moving beyond generic suggestions to personalised approaches.
Bacteria comprise the largest portion of the gut ecosystem, with several phyla predominating:
These gram-positive bacteria make up approximately 30-70% of a healthy gut microbiome and play essential roles in energy production and barrier support. They specialise in breaking down dietary fibres that human enzymes cannot digest, converting them into beneficial compounds. They play crucial roles in:
Key members include Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (a major butyrate producer that may influence anti-inflammatory effects), Roseburia intestinalis (another important butyrate producer), and various Lactobacillus species (supporting gut barrier function).
This phylum typically constitutes about 20-40% of the gut microbiome in healthy adults. It works alongside Firmicutes as major players in your gut ecosystem. These bacteria specialise in breaking down complex plant-derived carbohydrates that human enzymes cannot process. These gram-negative bacteria are particularly important for:
Key members include Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (a versatile carbohydrate processor), Bacteroides fragilis (which produces an anti-inflammatory molecule called PSA), and Prevotella species (associated with plant-rich diets).
Though less abundant than other phyla (2-10% of total bacteria), Actinobacteria contain some of the most well-recognised beneficial bacteria, particularly those in the Bifidobacterium genus. These organisms play crucial roles in gut health, from vitamin synthesis to immune modulation. These bacteria excel at:
Notable species include Bifidobacterium longum (with subspecies adapted to both infant and adult gut environments), Bifidobacterium adolescentis (abundant in adult microbiomes), and Bifidobacterium bifidum (a keystone species for mucin degradation).
This diverse phylum usually constitutes less than 10% of a healthy microbiome. While some members are beneficial, an overabundance of Proteobacteria often correlates with digestive imbalances. These bacteria play various roles from oxygen consumption to vitamin synthesis. Their functions include:
This phylum includes both commensal species like Escherichia coli (which can synthesise vitamin K in the gut) and potential pathogens that typically remain harmless at appropriate levels.
This phylum is represented primarily by a single species, Akkermansia muciniphila, that plays a specialised role in maintaining the protective mucus layer of your intestines. Though comprising less than 5% of gut bacteria, its presence is increasingly recognised as a key biomarker for gut health.
The presence and abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila has become recognised as a key biomarker for gut health, particularly in relation to metabolic function and intestinal barrier integrity.
The fungal component of your gut ecosystem, while smaller than the bacterial portion (approximately 0.1% of gut microorganisms), plays important roles in overall microbiome function and balance. Fungi interact with bacteria through complex signalling networks that help maintain ecosystem stability. The mycobiome plays crucial roles in:
Important members include beneficial Saccharomyces species (particularly S. boulardii, used as a probiotic for its protective effects), and opportunistic Candida species (normally present at low levels in healthy individuals).
Archaea are ancient single-celled organisms distinct from bacteria that perform specialised metabolic functions in your gut ecosystem. The predominant gut archaeon, Methanobrevibacter smithii, enhances fermentation efficiency by removing hydrogen gas produced during bacterial fermentation:
Research suggests that archaeal diversity may influence metabolic health and microbial resilience, though their roles are still being actively investigated.
Though not directly assessed in this test, viruses—particularly bacteriophages that infect bacteria—play important regulatory roles in the gut ecosystem:
The gut virome is estimated to contain at least 10 times more entities than the bacterial component, highlighting its complexity and importance in microbiome function.
Biodiversity represents the complexity and resilience of your gut ecosystem. Our comprehensive assessment evaluates multiple aspects of diversity to provide a complete picture of your microbiome's ecological health.
Species richness measures the number of different microbial species present in your gut. Higher richness generally correlates with greater functional capacity and resilience.
Evenness reflects how balanced your microbial populations are—whether your ecosystem is dominated by a few species or maintains healthier equilibrium across many microbes.
Beyond counting species, we evaluate the diversity of metabolic functions your microbiome can perform—a key indicator of its adaptive capacity.
Certain diversity patterns correlate with your microbiome's ability to maintain stability over time and recover from disruptions.
We evaluate the presence and abundance of microorganisms research associates with positive health outcomes, providing context for understanding your gut's functional capacity.
Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that serves as the primary fuel for colon cells and supports gut barrier integrity. We assess the presence and abundance of key butyrate producers in your microbiome.
Certain microbes help maintain your intestinal barrier function—a crucial component of gut health that influences nutrient absorption, immune balance, and overall wellbeing.
Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in training and regulating immune responses. We identify microbes that may influence a balanced immune function.
Many gut bacteria produce beneficial compounds beyond SCFAs, including vitamins and other bioactive molecules. We assess your microbiome's capacity for these important functions.
We assess the presence of microorganisms that may potentially disrupt gut homeostasis when present in excessive amounts. This balanced assessment provides context for understanding your overall gut ecology.
Certain microbes can be benign or even beneficial at appropriate levels but may potentially cause disruption when overrepresented. We evaluate the balance of these organisms in your gut.
While fibre fermentation generally produces beneficial compounds, protein fermentation can generate potentially disruptive metabolites. We assess the balance between these processes in your gut.
Sulphur-metabolising bacteria produce hydrogen sulphide, which can be beneficial in small amounts but potentially disruptive in excess. We assess the balance of these metabolic pathways.
The balance between different microbial groups influences your gut's overall function. We evaluate competitive relationships that may affect ecosystem health.
Most gut tests ignore fungi entirely, missing an important component of your microbiome. Our analysis includes the mycobiome—revealing fungal patterns that influence your overall gut health.
Certain fungi play positive roles in gut health through immune modulation, competition with potentially disruptive microbes, and production of beneficial compounds.
Some fungi may become disruptive when present in excessive amounts. We assess the balance of these organisms in your gut ecosystem.
The diversity of your fungal community contributes to your overall gut ecology. We assess this often-overlooked aspect of microbiome health.
Fungi and bacteria engage in complex ecological relationships that influence your gut's overall function. We evaluate these interactions for a complete picture of your microbiome.
Understanding how your microbiome compares to various reference populations provides valuable context for interpretation and targeted optimisation approaches.
We compare your microbiome profile to diverse reference groups, revealing patterns that help contextualise your results.
Certain microbial patterns correlate with different dietary approaches. We analyse these connections to provide context for your results.
If you've tested previously, we analyse how your microbiome has changed over time, providing insights into the stability and adaptability of your gut ecosystem.
We integrate your specific patterns with reference data to create individually relevant insights and recommendations.
Using advanced pattern recognition techniques, we analyse age-associated microbial signatures to provide another dimension of insight into your gut ecosystem.
Certain microbial patterns correlate with chronological age. We assess whether your microbiome aligns with age-appropriate expectations or shows different patterns.
Specific microbes tend to increase or decrease with age. We analyse these patterns to provide context for your results.
Beyond chronological correlations, we evaluate the developmental stage and maturity of your gut ecosystem.
Certain microbial patterns appear more frequently in exceptionally healthy older adults. We analyse these signatures to provide additional context.
Your comprehensive report translates complex microbiome data into practical guidance tailored to your unique gut ecosystem.
Based on your specific microbial patterns, we provide personalised dietary suggestions designed to support beneficial microbes and optimise overall gut function.
Different beneficial bacteria thrive on specific fibre types. We recommend targeted prebiotic fibres based on the specific microbes in your gut that would benefit from additional support.
Plant compounds called polyphenols influence gut bacteria in various ways. We suggest specific polyphenol sources based on your unique microbial patterns.
Fermented foods can introduce beneficial microbes and compounds that support gut health. We provide guidance on fermented foods aligned with your specific needs.
Dietary changes should be implemented thoughtfully for maximum benefit and minimal disruption. We provide a structured approach to integrating dietary recommendations.
Diet is just one factor influencing your microbiome. We provide comprehensive guidance on lifestyle approaches that support gut health.
Sleep quality and timing affect your gut microbiome through multiple pathways. We provide guidance on optimising these important factors.
Stress significantly impacts gut function through the gut-brain axis. We suggest evidence-based approaches for supporting this important connection.
Your environment influences your microbiome in various ways. We provide guidance on optimising environmental factors for gut health.
Our analysis and recommendations are grounded in peer-reviewed microbiome research, including:
As research evolves, our interpretative frameworks are continuously updated to provide you with the latest scientific context.
Our analysis begins with a simple, non-invasive stool sample collection process:
→Introduces KatharoSeq, a robust protocol for DNA extraction with maximummicrobial representation.
11. Usyk M., Peters B.A., Karthikeyan S.,et al. (2023). Comprehensive evaluation of shotgun metagenomics, ampliconsequencing, and harmonization of these platforms for epidemiological studies. CellReports Methods, 3(1), 100391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100391
→ Demonstrates the comparability of shotgun metagenomics and ampliconsequencing for bacterial profiling and discusses harmonisation strategies forepidemiological research.
12. Lema N.K., Gemeda M.T., WoldesemayatA.A. (2023). Recent advances in metagenomic approaches, applications, andchallenges. Current Microbiology, 80(11), 347. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-023-03451-5
→ Provides a comprehensive review of current metagenomic methodologies,highlighting the applications and challenges of shotgun sequencing in microbialcommunity analysis.
13. Kim C., Pongpanich M., Porntaveetus T.(2024). Unraveling metagenomics through long-read sequencing: a comprehensivereview. Journal of Translational Medicine, 22(1), 111. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-04917-1
→ Explores the advancements in long-read sequencing technologies and theirimpact on metagenomic studies, emphasising improved genome assemblies andfunctional analyses.
This microbiome profile is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and is not designed to detect, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.
The insights provided are based on current research into biological patterns and microbiome-related health factors and are intended to support general wellness and lifestyle awareness. Results are not a substitute for medical advice and do not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals.
P4Health products and services do not make therapeutic claims and are not registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as diagnostic devices. All data interpretations are derived from analysis of stool-based microbiota using validated methods for informational use only.
Individual results may vary. You should always consult your GP, registered dietitian, or relevant healthcare practitioner before making decisions about your diet, supplement use, or health management based on this report.
