The microbiome testing industry has made impressive strides, offering people insights into the invisible ecosystems living within their gut. Yet, the dominant approach—taxonomy-driven testing, which identifies “who’s there” in your microbiome—falls short in meaningful ways. To truly understand and optimize gut health, the focus must shift to what microbes do—their functions. Here’s why function-based microbiome tests represent a transformative, practical, and cost-effective leap forward.
The limitations of taxonomy-driven microbiome testing
1. Static and Generalized Insights
Taxonomy-driven tests catalog the bacteria, fungi, and viruses in your gut, often leaving you with vague, static data. A list of present species doesn’t reveal their activities, let alone how they affect your health. For instance, Escherichia coli can be both beneficial and harmful depending on its function—a distinction taxonomy-based tests fail to capture.
2. Generic Recommendations
Many tests provide one-size-fits-all advice, failing to account for the interplay between your microbiome’s composition and its functionality. This can lead to recommendations that are ineffective—or worse, counterproductive.
3. Overlooking Microbial Interactions
Microbes in the gut don’t work in isolation. For example, the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate depends on collaborations between different microbial species. A taxonomy-based test, which lacks the capability to evaluate functional pathways, misses this crucial context.
Why Function-Based Microbiome Tests Are Better
Function-based microbiome testing dives deep into what really matters: the metabolic activities and biochemical pathways at work in your gut. These tests offer actionable insights into how your microbiome contributes to nutrient absorption, immune modulation, and overall health.
1. Actionable and Personalized
Instead of static microbial lists, function-based tests reveal how your microbiome impacts specific health conditions, such as inflammation or nutrient deficiencies. By analyzing microbial gene expression or metabolic pathways, these tests provide practical, personalized recommendations.
2. Addressing Root Causes
Microbial functions—like the production of vitamins, SCFAs, or neurotransmitters—are directly tied to health outcomes. A function-based approach identifies functional gaps, allowing targeted interventions that address root causes rather than surface symptoms.
3. Cost-Effective Insights
By focusing on function, these tests often eliminate the need for repeated, expensive interventions driven by trial and error. The clarity provided by actionable data means fewer missteps and faster health improvements.
A Closer Look: Lessons from Emerging Technology
Viome and other innovators illustrate both the potential and pitfalls of function-based testing. While Viome uses RNA sequencing to analyze microbial activity, the overpromising and lack of methodological transparency highlight the need for rigorous, scientifically validated approaches.
On the other hand, platforms like Element Longevity’s Thrive | Precision demonstrate how focusing on microbial function can drive precise, personalized interventions. By using phenotype profiling to map microbial activity to health outcomes, these platforms bridge the gap between science and real-world application.
The Functional Revolution in Microbiome Testing
As the field evolves, function-based testing is poised to redefine microbiome health. Instead of leaving consumers frustrated with vague data, this approach empowers individuals with clear, actionable insights that lead to measurable health improvements.
At Element Longevity, we’re committed to advancing consumer health through novel sciences, bridging the gap between microbiome analysis and practical solutions. Whether it’s gut health, immunity, or metabolic wellness, understanding what your microbiome does is the key to unlocking your full potential.
