As we learn more about the importance of gut microbes (the microbiome) to our health, at-home testing kits might seem useful tools.<\/p>\n
These kits \u2013 costing from \u00a310 to over \u00a3300 \u2013 typically involve collecting a stool sample that\u2019s sent away for analysis.<\/p>\n
But a recent US study cast doubt on their accuracy. In the research, published in the journal Communications Biology, 21 samples from the same stool were sent to seven different companies offering at-home microbiome checks.<\/p>\n
Results varied greatly regarding what was considered a \u2018healthy\u2019 microbiome. The researchers concluded the results were unreliable and these at-home tests may be a waste of money.<\/p>\n
But these are not the only at-home gut tests available, with products claiming to detect everything from food intolerance to inflammatory bowel disease. We asked experts to assess a selection.<\/p>\n
![\"As](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695255-15828133-image-m-45_1779116894527.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAs we learn more about the importance of gut microbes (the microbiome) to our health, at-home testing kits, which typically involve collection a stool sample, might seem useful tools<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Irritable Bowel Syndrome<\/h2>\n
IBS Test, \u00a3219.99, gettested.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n This test supposedly provides those with IBS with a ‘thorough analysis’ of their digestive system<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> The maker says this stool test provides those with IBS with a \u2018thorough analysis of your digestive system and intestinal flora\u2019. Results take around two weeks.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018IBS is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms including abdominal pain, cramp, bloating and a variable bowel habit \u2013 there\u2019s no one cause,\u2019 says Dr Richard Sarsam, a consultant gastroenterologist at Circle Reading Hospital.<\/p>\n \u2018Knowing the levels of yeast and bacteria in the gut will not help patients manage their IBS symptoms. This test is a waste of money.\u2019<\/p>\n FoodMarble Aire 2, \u00a3249, foodmarble.com<\/a><\/p>\n This palm-sized device measures levels of methane and hydrogen in the breath, which is meant to indicate how well foods have been digested<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> You blow into the palm-sized device, which measures levels of methane and hydrogen in the breath. The maker says these indicate how well foods have been digested. You receive a \u2018breath score\u2019 via an app.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018I have no doubt that this gadget accurately measures the gases we produce when eating \u2013 because that technology is quite simple,\u2019 says Professor Peter Whorwell, a gastroenterologist at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.<\/p>\n \u2018But my worry is that people might use it after every meal, then use the results to cut out food and restrict their diets.<\/p>\n \u2018We all produce gases as we digest our food, so that in itself is not unusual and we shouldn\u2019t worry unduly about it.<\/p>\n \u2018Also, if you did this test after a normal meal, with lots of different foods and producing lots of gases, you would not know which you may have an intolerance to.<\/p>\n \u2018To use this device meaningfully, you would need to eat one food item at a time, measure the gas it produces and then repeat. I doubt if anyone would do that.<\/p>\n \u2018If you suspect you may have an intolerance, see a dietitian.\u2019<\/p>\n Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Test Kit, \u00a3185, gutandhealth.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n SIBO is a fairly common condition where abnormal bacterial growth causes excess hydrogen and methane production<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> The makers say this kit uses a \u2018well-proven method for screening patients for SIBO\u2019 \u2013 this is a condition where abnormal bacterial growth in the small intestine causes excess hydrogen and methane production.<\/p>\n The test involves fasting overnight, then drinking the supplied lactulose \u2013 a sugary solution \u2013 before providing breath samples into tubes every 20 minutes over three hours. The ten samples are then sent away for analysis.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018SIBO is a fairly common condition where bacteria colonise the small bowel \u2013 sometimes following surgery that disrupts the anatomy of the gut, or due to impaired gut motility [movement],\u2019 says Dr John Wong, a consultant gastroenterologist at Circle Meriden Hospital, Coventry. \u2018This excess of bacteria leads to increased hydrogen and methane \u2013 causing bloating, diarrhoea, cramp and flatulence. It\u2019s usually treated with antibiotics.<\/p>\n \u2018The technology here is reliable and simple \u2013 we use similar tests in clinic \u2013 but at home, without supervision, human error could easily throw up false results.<\/p>\n \u2018However, there is a role for these kits. If you have had tests ruling out more serious issues, you could take the results to your GP, for instance, to speed up treatment for SIBO or a referral to specialist.\u2019<\/p>\n myBioma Basic Test Kit, \u00a3105, mybioma.com<\/a><\/p>\n The results of this test include an assessment of your microbial diversity and recommendations of what to eat and drink to improve gut health<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> \u2018For anyone who wants to improve their gut health.\u2019 The kit contains a collection stick, tube and prepaid envelope to a lab in Austria. The results include assessment of your microbial diversity (a sign of gut health) and recommendations of what to eat and drink to improve gut health.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018There isn\u2019t an agreed definition of a good or balanced microbiome \u2013 each person\u2019s is unique, like a fingerprint,\u2019 says Professor Lindsay Hall, chair of microbiome research at the University of Birmingham.<\/p>\n \u2018In clinic, doctors usually use targeted stool tests for specific problems such as infection or bleeding, rather than broad microbiome profiling.<\/p>\n \u2018A test like this, which lists what the microbiome is composed of, is hard to interpret in isolation. Your microbiome also changes over time, so one test isn\u2019t very informative.<\/p>\n \u2018If you\u2019re simply curious, a home kit may be fun to look at \u2013 but don\u2019t rely on it for a diagnosis.\u2019<\/p>\n Leaky Gut Test Complete, \u00a3339, verisana.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n This test analyses a stool sample for high levels of zonulin, a protein that regulates the permeability of the gut wall<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> This test analyses a stool sample for high levels of zonulin, a protein that regulates the permeability of the gut wall. Results take around two weeks and are sent by email.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018The term \u201cleaky gut\u201d refers to the gut\u2019s mucous lining becoming more porous, meaning toxins and bacteria can pass into the bloodstream,\u2019 says Professor Whorwell.<\/p>\n \u2018This test does have a scientific basis in that zonulin plays a part in how leaky a gut is \u2013 but other indicators are involved. Even stress can make our gut leaky.<\/p>\n \u2018And it\u2019s premature to say your zonulin level can tell you whether you have a leaky gut. There hasn\u2019t been much research into how this protein works and it\u2019s not measured in a clinical setting.<\/p>\n \u2018In fact, very little is known about leaky gut. We do not know what symptoms it causes or how it can be tested for or treated.\u2019<\/p>\n Advanced Gut Bacteria, Worm and Parasite Test, \u00a3249, selph.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n This kit checks a stool sample for infection caused by bacteria including C.diff ; viruses such as norovirus ; and other parasites<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> This kit checks a stool sample for infection caused by bacteria including C.diff<\/span>; viruses such as norovirus<\/span>; and other parasites. You send off the sample, and the results include treatment and recommendations.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018This kit uses PCR testing \u2013 the most sensitive and best method for detecting infections \u2013 so I would expect it to be reliable,\u2019 says Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, specialising in infectious diseases.<\/p>\n \u2018I would consider buying this test if I had returned from an extended overseas trip such as to South-East Asia and Africa, to exclude an infection where there are often no obvious symptoms.<\/p>\n \u2018I would also use it if I had diarrhoea that wasn\u2019t improving after a couple of days and couldn\u2019t get a GP appointment. I would not recommend it for people with none of these factors though.\u2019<\/p>\n ArcGenics Bowel Inflammation Test Kit, \u00a316, <\/span>amazon.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n This rapid home test is described by its maker as a \u2018reliable marker for bowel inflammation\u2019<\/p>\n<\/div>\n CLAIM:<\/span> This rapid home test detects raised levels of calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells when the intestinal lining becomes damaged \u2013 described by its maker as a \u2018reliable marker for bowel inflammation\u2019. A stool sample is mixed with a reagent, shaken and two drops placed on a lateral flow. A result appears in five minutes \u2013 a line indicates a positive result.<\/p>\n EXPERT VERDICT:<\/span> \u2018Measuring calprotectin in poo is a very effective way of testing for bowel inflammation,\u2019 says Chris Probert, a professor of gastroenterology at the University of Liverpool.<\/p>\n \u2018Levels are elevated if the bowel is inflamed due to infection or an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn\u2019s. Patients should not try to self-diagnose, though \u2013 any raised calprotectin level without a known diagnosis should be discussed with a GP.<\/p>\n \u2018This home kit could be useful if you had diarrhoea for six weeks or more. But if you have bleeding from your bottom, see your GP.\u2019<\/p>\n![\"This](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695251-15828133-image-m-47_1779116940451.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nFood intolerance<\/h2>\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695247-15828133-image-m-49_1779116978793.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nExcess gas<\/h2>\n
![\"SIBO](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695253-15828133-image-a-50_1779117023170.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nGeneral gut health<\/h2>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695249-15828133-The_results_of_this_test_include_an_assessment_of_your_microbial-a-25_1779119835415.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\u2018Leaky\u2019 Gut<\/h2>\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695245-15828133-image-a-53_1779117043859.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nParasitic infection<\/h2>\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695241-15828133-image-m-55_1779117060084.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nInflamed bowel<\/h2>\n
![\"This](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.com\/1s\/2026\/05\/18\/16\/108695243-15828133-image-a-56_1779117091405.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTest for bacteria linked to stomach ulcer\u00a0<\/h2>\n