Optimising gut health has become mainstream over the past few years; As research emerges about gut health’s impact on overall health and well-being, including mood, mental health, immune system and skin conditions.
As a result, people are looking for tools and techniques that can help them understand their gut health and take control of it, leading to a rise in at-home test kits to analyse gut microbiomes.
One brand leading the way in at-home microbiome testing is Viome. The healthcare company harnesses the power of AI to help individuals decode their gut microbiome, eventually, overall health.
Let’s understand how Viome addresses emerging demands in healthcare with its at-home diagnostics and are they worth it.
Gut microbiome and its importance
The gut microbiome refers to trillions of bacteria, micro-organisms, bacteria and fungi that live in the human digestive tract—from the mouth to the anus—and are responsible for the effective digestion of the food you consume.
Several studies have emerged in recent times that highlight the connection between gut microbiome and overall health. A healthy gut has several benefits, including a strong immune system, improved mental health, reduced inflammation, reduced risk for chronic diseases and a lot more.
Microbiome tests can provide a snapshot of current gut health and what kinds of foods can impact it.
While the understanding of gut microbiota and microbiome testing is still evolving, at-home test kits are an interesting way to get insights into one’s gut health.
Viome and its at-home diagnostic kits
Viome is a longevity and preventive health company that aims to translate scientific advancements into practical and personalised health solutions. Founded by Naveen Jain and John Pinelli in 2016, the company has raised $169.5 million in funding so far.
The healthcare company offers at-home test kits for individuals who want to understand their microbiome, how it responds to different foods and how they can optimise their overall health.
Full Body Intelligence Test
It is Viome’s most comprehensive test that collects saliva, blood and stool samples to provide a complete survey of internal health with eight health scores and personalised nutrition recommendations to improve it.
Health Intelligence Test
It collects your blood and stool samples to analyse how your gut health is helping or impairing other bodily functions, including the immune system, ageing and cellular health. It provides five health scores and personalised nutrition recommendations.
Gut Intelligence Test
It collects your stool samples to give a comprehensive report of your gut microbiome and digestive health. Based on test results, the company offers personalised nutrition recommendations.
Oral Health Intelligence Test
Last month, the company launched its fourth test kit—Oral health intelligence test—which collects saliva samples to analyse your oral microbiome. Based on test results, the company offers personalised Oral Lozenges to promote a healthy oral environment and personalised nutrition recommendations to support oral and overall health.
Viome also plans to launch personalised toothpaste and gel made of its patented formula that removes plaque without harsh abrasives and improves oral health.
Viome’s CancerDetect for oral and throat cancer detection
Last week, Viome Life Sciences, Viome’s subsidiary, launched CancerDetect test, its proprietary saliva-based early cancer detection testing for individuals with high risk for developing cancers. Early screening will help increase the 5-year survival rates of oral cancer patients from 50% to 84%.
“As an industry leader on a mission to identify and address the roots of chronic disease, we have been working for years to bring to market clinically-backed diagnostics solutions for cancer detection and other life-threatening and debilitating diseases. With the launch of CancerDetect™ for Oral and Throat Cancer, we have achieved this goal and plan to follow this in rapid succession with detection tools for additional life-threatening chronic diseases and cancers.”
– Naveen Jain, Founder and CEO of Viome [Source]
Note: While at-home kits are a great way to understand your health and well-being without any hassle, they are not a replacement for doctor consultations and medical diagnostics.
The science behind Viome’s tests, and how do the tests work?
While DNA sequencing is generally used for diagnostics, Viome analyses human gene expression (mRNA). Messenger RNA or mRNA is a transcription of someone’s DNA. It is an active biomarker of microbial activity and gives a complete picture of your microbiome behaviour.
Viome’s AI platform analyses the mRNA data to provide comprehensive and personalised health insights.
The company has received FDA approval for its mRNA technology and AI platform for oral and throat cancer detection.
All you need to do is order the test kit from Viome’s website, follow the instructions in the test kit and collect samples (saliva, blood, stool), fill out its comprehensive questionnaire, send the samples back using the prepaid mailer provided in the kit and wait for your results.
It may take two to three weeks to receive the results via email. Along with the test results, Viome’s AI platform also offers personalised nutrition recommendations, suggesting what foods and supplements to include and which ones to avoid based on your microbiome understanding.
You can view your results and nutrition recommendation on its web or app. The company also manufactures personalised supplements for you and delivers them to your doorstep based on the subscription plan you opt for.
What makes Viome’s at-home kits different from its competitors?
Focus on mRNA instead of DNA
Unlike its competitors, Viome focuses on gene expression (mRNA) and not on genes (DNA). As DNA remains the same whether you are healthy or sick, the company suggests mRNA as a better alternative to analyse an individual’s microbiome.
Precision supplements
Another factor that makes Viome stand out from its competitors is its precision supplements. It believes there are no one-size-fits-all supplements.
Every individual is unique and has unique requirements; Therefore, the company offers personalised or unique supplements for every individual based on their test results. Its cutting-edge AI technology combines the latest nutritional science with your health needs and formulates a unique, data-driven supplement only for you.
Note: Always consult your doctor or medical practitioner before adding supplements or making any changes to your diet.
How does Viome address the emerging demands in healthcare?
Current healthcare practices are reactive rather than proactive. With the pandemic emphasising proactive healthcare, people are looking for tools and techniques that can help them take control of their health. The demand for at-home services, preventive and personalised care has skyrocketed.
While several healthcare startups have emerged with new ways to help people take control of their health, Viome is leading the way. It provides at-home diagnostics, preventive healthcare and personalised nutrition all under one roof.
What do healthcare experts say about Viome at-home diagnostics?
While Viome’s at-home kits are on-par with those in the markets, healthcare experts are critical of it. Here are some reasons why:
Gut health is an emerging science
“Gut health is very much an emerging science and researchers do not yet have a clear definition of what a “normal” microbiome looks like. Therefore, science is still a long way from being able to provide consumers with reliable health interventions based on the results of an at-home test.”
– Healthline.
No medical supervision
While Viome provides comprehensive tests and results, there is no doctor supervision to help users understand what the health scores mean and whether they must take it seriously.
Viome provides personalised recommendations for foods to include and avoid. However, making dietary changes for people with existing medical conditions and medications without a doctor’s consultation can do more harm than good. Also, it remains to see if these foods meet the nutritional requirements of individuals.
“There was a lot of information to digest, and I truly felt like I would have benefited from having a medical expert walking me through the results and answer any questions.”
– Amanda Lundberg, a registered nurse who took Viome’s Full Body Intelligence Test, wrote in Mind Body Green health.
Absence of peer-reviewed studies
While the company has published evidence-based papers that show people who followed its recommended foods and supplements reduced their scores for anxiety, diabetes and IBS by 30%, these studies were sponsored by Viome and have not been peer-reviewed.
Lack of transparency
Viome offers custom-made supplements for individual needs. However, third-party validation of the purity and potency of Viome’s supplement products is not publicly available. While the company provides a list of active ingredients in its supplements, the list of inactive ingredients is not publicly available.
This lack of transparency doesn’t help people with allergies or intolerances assess if the products are safe for them.
Parting words
Viome offers one-of-its-kind at-home tests and personalised recommendations to help people optimise their health and well-being. While the concerns of healthcare experts regarding Viome’s products are right, the technology it has developed is worth applauding.
By looping in medical experts, conducting peer-reviewed studies, and disclosing essential information, Viome can further improvise its offering and help people take control of their health.
Viome’s tests enable you to understand your gut health with insights and actionable recommendations. However, you must do it in consultation with your medical provider and not consider these tests as a replacement for your doctor visits.
