What does the Gut Microbial Metabolites test measure?

Why is Gut Microbial Metabolites measured?

Elevated gut microbial metabolites are interpreted as indirect markers of dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial or fungal overgrowth, or altered intestinal permeability. They inform functional interventions (dietary modification, antimicrobials, probiotics) but are not validated diagnostic criteria for specific gastrointestinal disorders.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Laboratory-specific ranges for hippurate, phenylacetate, phenylpropionate, p-hydroxybenzoate, indican, tricarballylate, D-arabinitol, D-lactate

Functional medicine optimal

Functional thresholds are lower than upper reference limits and are platform-specific; elevations are contextual and require correlation with symptoms and other gastrointestinal assessment.

Units

mmol/mol creatinine

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.