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 Mucus degradation index testing
- Gut mucus layer integrity tracking
- protective barrier health assessment
What is Mucus degradation index?
The Mucus degradation index is a derived metric estimating the collective capacity of your gut bacteria to degrade the intestinal mucus layer. It is calculated from the abundance of mucinase-encoding bacteria and genes detected by shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Why is Mucus degradation index important?
The intestinal mucus layer is a critical physical barrier separating luminal bacteria from gut epithelial cells. Excessive mucus degradation may thin this protective layer, potentially affecting gut barrier integrity. Monitoring this index may provide early signals of protective layer disruption.
What insights will I get?
Your Mucus degradation index may indicate the degree to which your current microbiome community is eroding your gut's protective mucus layer. Elevated scores alongside other gut inflammation markers may suggest a compromised gut barrier worth addressing through dietary and microbial interventions.
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