Method: Shotgun metagenomic sequencing (CLIA 21D2062464); not cleared or approved by the FDA. Results reflect relative microbial abundance for wellness education purposes. Not intended to diagnose or treat disease and not a substitute for clinical consultation. Microbial associations are based on emerging scientific research and may change over time. Derived from laboratory results. This score or index is not an FDA-cleared test. It aids clinician-directed assessment and is not a stand-alone diagnosis.
A derived biomarker is a value that is calculated from other directly measured biomarkers rather than being measured directly in the lab.
Key benefits of GABA production testing
- Gut microbial GABA production capacity tracking
- gut-brain axis neurotransmitter metabolism assessment
What is GABA production?
This metric estimates your gut microbiome's functional capacity to produce GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) - the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Derived from the abundance of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) gene-encoding bacteria detected by shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Why is GABA production important?
Gut bacteria produce GABA, and the gut-brain axis connection for microbially produced GABA is an active area of research. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are among the notable GABA-producing gut bacteria. Gut-derived GABA may influence the enteric nervous system and is studied for potential roles in gut-brain signaling.
What insights will I get?
Your GABA production capacity may indicate the degree to which your gut microbiome is equipped to produce this inhibitory neuromodulator. Tracking alongside GABA breakdown capacity provides a net GABA activity profile from your microbiome.
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