Complete Microbiome Analysis

We analyze your gut health across three critical pillars:

1. Digestion & Absorption

• Pancreatic Elastase-1: Are you producing enough enzymes to break down that 200g of protein, or is it rotting in your colon?
• H.pylori Antigen: The “Stomach Acid Thief.” This bacteria lowers gastric acidity, blocking the absorption of Zinc and Magnesium — critical cofactors in hormonal synthesis.
• Fecal Fats: Are you absorbing the dietary lipids required to synthesize steroid hormones?

2. Inflammation & Immunology

• Calprotectin: The gold standard for detecting “silent” inflammation that drives systemic cortisol and kills recovery.
• Secretory IgA (sIgA): A marker of your mucosal immune system. Low levels indicate “Mucosal Burnout” often caused by overtraining and chronic stress.

3. The Gut Microbiome

• Metabolic Indicators: Levels of Akkermansia muciniphila (linked to leanness and insulin sensitivity) and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (anti-inflammatory).
• Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): We measure Butyrate production—the absolute fuel for your gut lining and a potent regulator of systemic metabolism.
• Pathogens: Comprehensive detection of Parasites, Worms, pathogenic Bacteria (like Klebsiella or Salmonella), and Yeast/Fungi (like Candida).

This panel is engineered for the high-performer who demands data. It is essential if you:

• Experience bloating, abdominal distension, or excessive belching.
• Experience “Brain Fog” or fatigue despite good sleep (a sign of neuro-inflammation).
• Can’t gain muscle or lose fat despite adherence to strict macros.
• Are on TRT or HRT and struggling with estrogen management (a sign of an imbalanced Estrobolome).
• Suspect food sensitivities or have a “nervous stomach.”
• Want to audit your health at the systems biology level.

1. Digestion & Absorption (Functional Biochemistry)

These markers quantify the efficiency of your digestive organs.

• Pancreatic Elastase-1 (PE-1): The gold standard marker for exocrine pancreatic function (enzyme output).
• Products of Protein Breakdown: (Valerate, Isobutyrate, Isovalerate) Measures undigested protein reaching the colon (putrefaction).
• Fecal Fats (Total): Measures fat malabsorption.
• Triglycerides: Indicates efficacy of lipid hydrolysis (lipase activity).
• Long-Chain Fatty Acids: Indicates efficacy of lipid absorption.
• Cholesterol: Assess lipid metabolism and absorption.
• Phospholipids: Marker of cell membrane breakdown and biliary function.

2. Inflammation & Immunology

These markers assess the structural integrity and immune status of the gut lining.

• Calprotectin: Major marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation (differentiates IBD vs. IBS).
• Eosinophil Protein X (EPX): Marker of allergic response (food sensitivities) and parasitic activity.
• Fecal Secretory IgA (sIgA): The primary immunoglobulin of the gut mucosa; measures immune resilience.
• Fecal Occult Blood: Detects hidden blood in the stool (GI bleeding).

3. The Gut Microbiome (Metabolic Markers)

These markers measure the functional output of your microbiome.

• Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): Total SCFAs, Acetate, Propionate, n-Butyrate (critical for gut lining health).
• Beta-Glucuronidase: The “estrogen recycling” enzyme.
• pH: Acidity/Alkalinity of the stool.

4. Commensal Bacteria (PCR Quantification)

We use DNA quantification to measure the absolute abundance of 24 specific bacterial genera/species.

• Keystone Species: Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
• Phyla: Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria.
• Commensal Targets: Bacteroides vulgatus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Prevotella spp., Roseburia spp., Ruminococcus spp., Escherichia coli (commensal strain), Clostridium spp., Collinsella aerofaciens, Desulfovibrio piger, Fusobacterium spp., Methanobrevibacter smithii, Oxalobacter formigenes, and more.

5. Parasitology (PCR + Microscopy)

A dual-methodology approach to ensure no organism is missed.

• PCR Targets (6 Specific Pathogens): Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia.
• Microscopic Examination (O&P): Visual inspection by a parasitologist for Nematodes (Roundworms), Cestodes (Tapeworms), Trematodes (Flukes), and other Protozoa.

6. Bacteriology & Mycology (Culture + MALDI-TOF)

We use a combination of culture and antigen testing to identify active infections and determine which antibiotics/botanicals kill them.

• Pathogenic Bacteria: Culture for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas, Yersinia, Vibrio,etc.
• Mycology (Yeast/Fungi): Culture for Candida albicans, Candida spp., Geotrichum, Rhodotorula, and other fungi.
• H.pylori Antigen: Direct stool antigen testing for active Helicobacter pylori infection. This is the “”Stomach Acid Thief” that causes ulcers and blocks nutrient absorption.
• Sensitivity Testing: If a pathogen or yeast is found, we test it against pharmaceutical agents (e.g., Ciprofloxacin, Fluconazole) and botanical agents (e.g., Berberine, Oregano, Uva Ursi) to determine how to kill them.

• How is the sample collected? This is an at-home stool test. You will receive a kit with detailed instructions. You collect the sample in the privacy of your home and ship it back in the pre-paid envelope.
• Why is the H. pylori testing important? Standard GI tests often skip H. pylori or use breath tests that can be inaccurate. We add the specific Antigen test because H. pylori is a master disruptor of stomach acid. Without adequate acid, you cannot absorb the nutrients required for hormonal health.
• What parasites do you test for? We utilize a “dual-detection” methodology combining PCR technology (DNA matching) with Microscopic Examination (O&P) to ensure no organism goes undetected. While standard tests often miss intermittent shedders, our complete microbiome analysis covers:
• Protozoa (via PCR & Microscopy): We target the most common performance-robbing organisms, including Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Dientamoeba fragilis.
• Nematodes & Helminths (via Microscopy): Our parasitologists visually inspect for Roundworms (Ascaris), Tapeworms, Flukes, and Hookworms.

Other Pathogens: The microscopic analysis allows for the identification of any ova or parasite based on morphology.

Marek Health is a cash-pay platform designed to bypass insurance limitations, allowing us to order the comprehensive testing you actually need, not just what is “medically necessary” for acute disease. You can, however, use HSA/FSA funds in many cases.