Your gut microbiome plays a crucial role in your overall health, influencing digestion, immune function, and even mental well-being. Improvements in genetic sequencing have led to innovative ways of exploring the complexities of the gut microbiome through specialized tests. If you're considering delving into the world of gut health testing, it's important to understand the differences between the tests available on the market to make an informed decision.
This blog post breaks down how Tiny Health Gut Health Test compares to other commonly used GI mapping tests that rely on qPCR/culture-based technology. We'll explore how these tests differ in technology, age-specificity, cost, collection method, interpretation of results, and more. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of why we believe the Tiny Health Gut Health Test stands out as the best test for unlocking the secrets of your gut microbiome and optimizing health.
TL;DR? You can skip ahead to the summary chart at the end.
What is GI Mapping?
"GI Mapping," or gastrointestinal mapping, refers to advanced stool testing used to assess the health of the gut microbiome, as well as markers of inflammation, immune activity, and digestive function. These tests can utilize different technologies and methodologies, each offering unique insights and strengths. Common test brands include GI-MAP, GI Effects, GI 360, and Tiny Health. Below are some key differences to consider when comparing them.
1) Technology: Shotgun Metagenomics vs qPCR/culture
Tiny Health uses shotgun metagenomics, the gold standard in microbiome analysis. This cutting-edge method sequences all the genetic material (DNA) present in stool, unveiling a diverse array of bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, and parasites—over 120,000 different microbes in total. This provides a comprehensive look at your gut microbiome's diversity, composition, and functional abilities [1], [2].
In contrast, other GI mapping tests often rely on quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), a targeted approach that focuses on specific DNA sequences (genes) of interest in a stool sample, as well as other culture-based methods and microscopic ova & parasite methods. These methods are effective for pinpointing certain microbes or genetic markers, but do not provide the holistic view of shotgun metagenomics tests.
Culture-based methods can be limited
Some GI tests rely heavily on culture and microscopy rather than Next Generation Methods. However, culture-based methods can be limited:
- Over 95% of gut bacteria are anaerobic and cannot be cultured in oxygen-rich petri dishes.
- Culture often favors fast-growing microbes, while many commensals are slow-growing.
- Tiny Health uses unbiased whole genome sequencing (shotgun metagenomics), capturing even low-abundance and hard-to-culture species.
As microbiologist Lucy Mailing, PhD, has said, “Culture-based methods miss about 95% of the human gut microbiome and often lead to unnecessary antimicrobial treatments.”
Shotgun metagenomics gives a broader view
Put in a different way, metagenomics reveals the entire landscape of your gut microbiome, while qPCR/culture gives just a glimpse. Your practitioner may use a qPCR/culture test for an acute or sudden illness to look for an infection. In these cases, a qPCR/culture test can be insightful. However, while qPCR/culture is handy for focused diagnostics specific to gut health, it doesn't capture the full complexity of your gut ecosystem.
2) Age-specific insights vs adult-only ranges
When it comes to your health, one size doesn't fit all—especially when it comes to age! The Tiny Health test features ranges that are designed for babies, toddlers, children, and adults, with over 500 metrics tailored to distinct age groups, ensuring that each age group gets personalized interpretations and recommendations. This is particularly crucial for babies, whose gut microbiome is supposed to be very different from that of adults.
In contrast, other GI tests offer adult-specific ranges and interpretations. Without pediatric benchmarks, using these tests for an infant or child may lead to misleading insights.
3) Microbial functions: Microbiome-level capacity vs a subset of bacterial toxins
For functional insights, qPCR/culture-based GI tests include the detection of some bacterial toxin genes like toxins A and B from Clostridioides difficile, Shiga-like toxin from Escherichia coli, and toxins from Helicobacter pylori.
While this may be useful to find a potential root cause of some digestive symptoms, it does not give you a full picture of your gut microbiome’s functional capacity.
The Tiny Health Gut Test, on the other hand, reveals the overall functional capacity of the gut microbiome. It tells you which microbial genes are present and whether their levels are above or below typical ranges. This gives you an idea of what the microbes in your gut are capable of doing. Specific functional insights include your microbiome’s ability to:
- Digest fibers
- Produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)
- Digest mucus from your gut barrier
- Produce toxins
The Tiny Health Gut Health Test looks at your microbiome’s ability to produce 32 different bacterial toxins, including toxins A and B from C. difficile and Shiga-like toxin from E. coli.
4) Additional markers: PRO Gut Health Test vs other GI tests
Besides species and gene abundances, other GI tests include a set of stool chemistry markers that assess different aspects of gut digestion, inflammation, and elements of the immune response. This includes levels of calprotectin, lactoferrin, secretory IgA, and digestive enzymes.
The PRO Gut Health Test by Tiny Health comes with an analogous panel of markers that provides insights into gut inflammation, gut barrier integrity, immune function, and digestive function. Most of the markers included in GI-MAP, GI 360, and GI effects are also part of the PRO Gut Health Test, which also includes many additional ones (Table 1). Plus, by ordering through a practitioner, you can get this kit at a lower price than many other GI tests.
5) Microbiome signatures and conditions associations: only in the Tiny Health Gut Test
Many GI tests focus on unfriendly microbes and stool chemistry markers to give a glimpse into digestive health. But the gut microbiome can have impacts on other health conditions beyond the gut.
That's where Tiny Health steps it up. We don't just look at microbial abundance and functionality (and stool chemistry markers in the PRO test)—we dive into microbiome signatures, which are specific combinations of microbes linked to potential health conditions by age group.
For example, detecting a microbiome signature associated with eczema in infants aged 3 to 6 months may indicate a higher microbiome risk of eczema later in life*, offering a key opportunity for intervention. In older children and adults, Conditions Associations can help you take steps to address imbalances that correlate with conditions like hypertension, gluten intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
*Although eczema and other health issues are influenced by various factors, supporting a healthy gut microbiome through targeted actions may help mitigate these risks and reduce current symptoms that may stem from microbiome imbalances.
6) Price & ordering: Tiny Health is cost-effective and user-friendly
qPCR/culture GI tests cost about $310-500, excluding costs for consultation and interpretation. These tests—as well as Tiny Health PRO Gut Health Test—can only be ordered through a practitioner, limiting their accessibility.
Alternatively, Tiny Health offers affordable gut health tests you can order yourself or through an affiliated practitioner, plus annual memberships for extra savings. Gut health tests purchased directly from Tiny Health include a comprehensive and personalized report and a functional health coaching call to discuss your results. Especially when working with a practitioner, these results can inform the overall picture of your health at a much lower price than less comprehensive tests.
7) Collection method: Easy swab vs poop in a vial
Tiny Health’s gut microbiome tests use a mess-free swab, and collecting your sample takes less than 5 minutes. It’s a simple and comfortable experience—especially for busy parents who want to sample their little ones.
This collection method uses a validated desiccant technology, which effectively preserves the microbes on contact [3]. This allows your collected sample to remain stable at room temperature without the concern of unchecked microbial growth or contamination. You can drop your sample in the mail at any time, ideally within 5 days of sampling, and rest assured, your results will remain accurate.
On the other hand, qPCR/culture-based GI tests—as well as Tiny Health’s PRO Gut Health Test—involve collecting a piece of stool in a container, then scooping it into a vial with liquid, and mixing it. With these tests, you’ll need to refrigerate your sample until you’re ready to send it.
8) Evidence-based recommendations: Personalized action plan + optional coaching vs physician interpretation
Other GI tests require physician interpretation, as the report only shows you the results.
Tiny Health, on the other hand, goes beyond results—it includes your very own personalized action plan designed to level up your gut health. This plan is tailored to your age and specific results, with clear explanations of each recommended action. You'll discover detailed suggestions for supplements, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary tweaks aimed at optimizing your gut microbiome. Plus, you have the option of 1-on-1 coaching for extra explanation and guidance, or the option to work with your practitioner to fine-tune your action plan.
9) Turnaround time: Faster but less comprehensive results
qPCR/culture-based GI tests deliver results more quickly than Tiny Health, typically within 2 weeks. Tiny Health delivers your results in an average of 2-3 weeks.
Why the difference in time? Shotgun metagenomics sequencing technology takes longer in the laboratory, followed by a thorough and detailed analysis by Tiny Health. While the wait is a bit longer, rest assured that the gut microbiome is generally stable, and it's well worth the wait for the additional wealth of insight provided on your gut microbiome.
10) Future therapeutic insights: Extensive opportunities with metagenomics
With metagenomics, Tiny Health provides a holistic view of your gut microbiome, offering not just current insights but also paving the way for future therapeutic possibilities. As the newest and most advanced technology, shotgun metagenomics is the gold standard for microbiome research. This means that as new bacterial genes or species are uncovered through ongoing research, we can reanalyze your sample and deliver fresh insights. The microbiome field is dynamic and ever-evolving, with exciting connections between gut health and disease continually emerging.
In contrast, a qPCR/culture-based GI test has limited potential for future therapeutic applications. By focusing on specific markers, it would require additional processing of your sample (and additional payment, or even a new sample) to unlock further insights.
Choosing the best gut microbiome test
While both the Tiny Health Gut Health Test and other GI tests on the market offer insights into gut health, they diverge in crucial aspects (Table 2). The Tiny Health Gut test uses metagenomics to provide a comprehensive view of the gut microbiome, including microbial functions. It also provides age-specific ranges and personalized action plans, all at a lower cost and with a user-friendly collection method. In contrast, other GI tests employ qPCR/culture-based technology and slightly faster results, but lack the breadth of information and future therapeutic insights provided by metagenomics.
Ultimately, the choice between Tiny Health and other GI tests depends on individual preferences and needs. Tiny Health stands out for its affordability, depth of analysis, age-specific insights, and empowering families to manage their own gut health.
