Mikrobiom Test: what does this mean exactly?

A microbiome test analyzes the composition of gut bacteria from a stool sample. The premise: imbalances (dysbiosis) may be linked to digestive issues, inflammation, or metabolic conditions. However, the science is still evolving. Many tests report relative abundances of bacterial strains, but standardized reference ranges for healthy individuals are lacking. Clinically meaningful conclusions – e.g., for SIBO or specific diseases – require medical diagnostics. For healthy people without symptoms, the benefit is unproven. Evidence: human-moderate to mixed. Caution: results may prompt unnecessary dietary changes or supplement purchases. A microbiome test is an exploratory tool, not a medical diagnostic device.