What medications & supplements should patients avoid before testing?

For the most accurate representation of the baseline microbiome, the preparation varies between the Gut Health Test and the PRO Gut Health Test. We advise the following:

For the Gut Health Test: 

Avoid:

• Antibiotics: 4 weeks prior
• Probiotics: 3-5 days prior (important for infants, but optional for older children and adults)

For the PRO Gut Health Test:

Avoid (unless unsafe or uncomfortable):

• Antibiotics: 4 weeks prior
• Antifungals: 3 days prior
• Digestive enzymes: 2 days prior
• Laxatives: 2 days prior (particularly mineral oil and castor oil)
• Antacids: 2 days prior
• Aspirin: 2 days prior
• Barium or bismuth-containing substances: 2 days prior

Medications that may affect results but typically continue:

• PPIs/H2 blockers: Alter pH and microbiome, but often can't stop safely; note on requisition
• Metformin: Known microbiome effects; note usage
• NSAIDs: May affect dysbiosis patterns; note chronic use
• Immunosuppressants: Continue for safety; interpret with context