Metagenomics & IBS - What is it?

Metagenomics looks at all the genetic material in the gut microbiome. This helps us understand how microbes may be connected to IBS symptoms.
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Our webinar “Metagenomics and IBS” is part of Microba’s three-part series “New Insights with Metagenomics”, created to help clinicians feel confident using microbiome science in patient care.
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Metagenomics shows the connection between the gut, metabolism and IBS by higlighting a number of factors:
- Microbial diversity: A diverse microbiome helps regulate energy extraction, fat storage and insulin sensitivity.
- Key metabolites: Certain gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) — butyrate, acetate and propionate — which improve metabolic regulation, reduce inflammation and support appetite control.
- Inflammation link: Dysbiosis can increase gut permeability (“leaky gut”), which may lead to systemic inflammation that interferes with insulin and metabolic function.
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This knowledge helps patients and clinicians better understand and manage IBS.