If you've been following a particular diet or taking probiotics or supplements as part of your regular routine, we recommend continuing your usual regimen before testing.
Microba testing is designed to provide a snapshot of your gut microbiome as it is at the time of sample collection, reflecting your usual dietary habits and supplement use.
If you've recently started, stopped or changed your diet, medications, probiotics or supplements, we recommend maintaining a consistent routine for at least two weeks before collecting your sample.
This includes dietary changes such as starting a new eating plan, eliminating certain foods or introducing new supplements. Allowing at least two weeks for your microbiome to adapt can help ensure your results better reflect your current gut environment.
If you are returning to your previous diet or supplement routine, we similarly recommend allowing at least two weeks before testing.
If your healthcare practitioner has provided specific dietary or supplement instructions, please follow their advice.
What about antibiotics, antifungals, alcohol and NSAIDs?
Preparation recommendations for these differ from probiotics and supplements:
Antibiotics: Wait at least 4 weeks after finishing your course before collecting your sample (unless your healthcare practitioner has advised otherwise).
Antifungals: Wait at least 4 weeks after completing treatment before testing.
Alcohol and NSAIDs: Avoid these for 48 hours before collecting your sample, as they may affect the gut physiology markers included in the Extended and Comprehensive tests.
If you're unsure whether a medication or supplement may affect your results, please speak with your healthcare practitioner or contact our Customer Support team.