Method: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing (CLIA 21D2062464); not cleared or approved by the FDA. Results reflect relative microbial abundance for wellness education purposes. Not intended to diagnose or treat disease and not a substitute for clinical consultation. Microbial associations are based on emerging scientific research and may change over time.
A derived biomarker is a value that is calculated from other directly measured biomarkers rather than being measured directly in the lab.
Key benefits of Methanobrevibacter smithii testing
- Primary gut methane-producing archaea monitoring
- bloating and bowel transit assessment
What is Methanobrevibacter smithii?
Methanobrevibacter smithii is the dominant methanogen (methane-producing archaea) in the human gut. It consumes hydrogen produced by other gut bacteria and produces methane gas. Detected by shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Why is Methanobrevibacter smithii important?
M. smithii plays a functional role in the gut by consuming hydrogen, which can affect the efficiency of bacterial fermentation and potentially bowel transit speed. Elevated M. smithii levels have been associated in some studies with slower gut transit, methane-type IBS symptoms, and constipation-predominant bowel patterns.
What insights will I get?
Your M. smithii level indicates the abundance of the gut's primary methane producer. Elevated levels may help explain bloating, gas, or slower bowel transit patterns. This finding is best interpreted alongside the Methane production capacity metric.
.svg)
.avif)
.avif)
