The Gut Health Test and Supplements
Your gut microbiota influences everything from digestion and immunity to metabolism and mood.
The Gut Health Test reveals its functional output – what your gut bacteria are actually producing – and how that activity is affecting you. With just a quick finger prick and a drop of blood, it measures three key tryptophan-derived compounds:
• Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a beneficial
metabolite produced by gut bacteria.
• Kynurenine (KYN), a metabolite formed in your
body during immune activation.
• Tryptophan (TRP), an essential amino acid from
your diet.
These results show how tryptophan is being converted – towards beneficial IPA or stress responding kynurenine – and are presented as five clear health markers: your Gut Health Index, IPA level, and three key ratios. Unlike stool-based tests that only identify which bacteria are present, this test goes further – showing how well they are working for you, without the hassle of faecal sampling.
Key benefits to the gut health test
- Measures functional output – revealing how your gut bacteria and body work together to produce health-linked metabolites.
- Science-backed markers – analyses three key tryptophan- related metabolites linked to gut, immune, and metabolic health.
- Advanced analysis – uses HPLC-UV-FLD technology for high-precision results.
- Balance insights – shows how a protective metabolite from gut bacteria relates to other insightful markers.
- Clear scoring – your results distilled into an easy-to-read Gut Health Index.
- Personalised guidance – tailored diet and lifestyle recommendations, with a focus on fibre and polyphenols, based on your unique results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I organise testing?
You can order a test today to be delivered to your home address. If you are interested in testing but want to discuss this with Dr Bye first , please book an online complimentary test-based nutrition consultation (button and link to book a consultation page).
Alternatively, you can call us on 01483 380025 or email us on [email protected]
Is it a stool test or a blood test?
Testing is done with an at home blood spot balance test that is delivered to your home address. Full instructions come with your gut health test kit and are also available online.
For best and most consistent results: Take the test in the morning after a water-only overnight fast of at least 10 hours and repeat it every 120 days to track your health journey. For accurate comparisons over time, take each test under similar
conditions – fasted, and not the morning after excessive alcohol intake, illness, or unusually intense exercise.
How do I get the results?
Once your results have been processed by an independent lab based in Oslo you will receive an email. This takes between 10-20 days. You will then be able to access the results from the link in the email using the code that came with your test.
Within your detailed report you will receive an explanation on what each measurement means with regards to your health.
When your results are ready, you’ll receive:
• 5 actionable insights – your Gut Health Index, IPA level, and three key metabolite ratios, each with guidance to improve or maintain them.
• Your Gut Health Index – an easy-to-understand summary of your gut-microbe-immune metabolite balance.
• Detailed metabolite data – precise concentrations of IPA, TRP,
and KYN in your blood.
• Key ratio analysis – clear explanations of key ratios and what
they mean for your gut-immune-metabolic balance.
• Personalised recommendations – science-based guidance on
diet and lifestyle (such as fibre and polyphenols) to help improve
or maintain your results over time.
How do I interpret the results?
The detailed report you receive contains information regarding how to interpret your result and what to do moving forward including dietary advice and recommendations regarding supplements. If you are unsure as of anything you can book a consultation with Dr Bye (either online or in person) to discuss your results and next steps.
Book a ConsultationCan I speak to Dr Bye about my results?
If you are unsure of how to interpret your result and/or want guidance on what best to do next regarding your nutrition and/or supplementation, please make an online or in person appointment with Dr Bye to discuss your results.
Book a ConsultationHow do I know if following dietary changes and/or supplements my levels are optimal?
The only way to know is by re-testing. You should retest after 120 days of consistent changes to your diet and/or supplementation to check that your changes are working for you.
How can I be sure of the standard of the test and my data being anonymised?
• Independent laboratory – analysed by Vitas, a GMP-certified lab with 25+ years of experience in high-quality chromatographic analysis.
• Anonymous results – your sample is linked only to your unique test ID; neither Zinzino nor the lab can identify you.
• Certified kit – complies with EU regulation 98/79/EB for in vitro diagnostic medical devices and carries the CE mark