Which tests measure Microbial diversity (Shannon index)?

Microbial diversity (Shannon index) is measured in 2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Baby Gut Health Test, GI Effects Comprehensive Profile – 1 Day (Stool).

Biomarker Reference · Shannon H'

What does the Microbial diversity (Shannon index) test measure?

Q: What is the reference range for Microbial diversity (Shannon index)?

The standard reference range for Microbial diversity (Shannon index) is Age-dependent; diversity increases with solid food introduction and is lower in young infants than older children.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Microbial diversity (Shannon index) (Shannon H') is a clinical biomarker used in microbiome-gut assessment. Microbial diversity quantifies the richness (number of different taxa) and evenness (relative abundance distribution) of the gut community. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Age-dependent; diversity increases with solid food introduction and is lower in young infants than older children.
Units: Shannon index, Index value or relative
Measured In: 2 tests
Category: —

Functional medicine optimalAge- and diet-appropriate; typically Shannon H' 1.0–2.5 during exclusive milk feeding, rising toward 3.0–4.0 after complementary food introduction.

What is Microbial diversity (Shannon index)?

Microbial diversity quantifies the richness (number of different taxa) and evenness (relative abundance distribution) of the gut community. In infants, diversity is naturally low during exclusive milk feeding, dominated by a few key taxa such as Bifidobacterium, and rises as complementary foods introduce new substrates and ecological niches. Preterm birth, caesarean delivery, and antibiotic exposure delay diversity expansion.

Why is Microbial diversity (Shannon index) measured?

While high diversity is a hallmark of adult gut health, infant diversity must be interpreted in developmental context. Very low diversity for gestational and chronological age, or failure to increase diversity with dietary progression, may signal dysbiosis and is associated with atopic disease and metabolic programming.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Age-dependent; diversity increases with solid food introduction and is lower in young infants than older children.
Functional medicine optimal: Age- and diet-appropriate; typically Shannon H' 1.0–2.5 during exclusive milk feeding, rising toward 3.0–4.0 after complementary food introduction.
Units: Shannon index, Index value or relative

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

Tests that measure Microbial diversity (Shannon index)

2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-MBG-008Comprehensive

Baby Gut Health Test

Microbial diversity (Shannon index) reference range in this test: Age-dependent; diversity increases with solid food introduction and is lower in young infants than older children.

BML-GAS-045Comprehensive

GI Effects Comprehensive Profile – 1 Day (Stool)

Microbial diversity (Shannon index) reference range in this test: Laboratory-specific; higher diversity generally associated with health.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Bifidobacterium species abundanceBifidobacterium %1 test Pathobiont and pathogen detectionPathobionts1 test Lactobacillus species abundanceLactobacillus %1 test Bacteroides species abundanceBacteroides %1 test Faecal CalprotectinCalprotectin2 tests Secretory Immunoglobulin AsIgA2 tests Beta-Glucuronidaseβ-Gluc2 tests Pancreatic Elastase-1PE-11 test

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