Explore 10,000+ laboratory markers, in plain English.

Ratio of bacterial phyla that dominate the entire human digestive tract, including the mouth, nose, throat, and colon.

provides insights into the composition of gut microbiota

In adults, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the most abundant bacterial phyla in the gut. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) abundance ratio was shown to increase from infancy to adulthood and subsequently to decrease again in the elderly. Elevated F/B ratios have been linked to obesity though the evidence is not conclusive.

The two largest phyla making up the gut microbiome in humans are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The relationship of these two large groups, expressed as the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, has been associated with a number of pathological conditions: - Obesity has been specifically associated with a greater abundance of Firmicutes and/or a drop in Bacteroidetes (i.e., an increase in the ratio); some research, however, has shown no change or even an increase in Bacteroidetes in obesity - Disruptions of metabolic homeostasis, e.g., type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - Elevated markers of inflammation such as IL-6 The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio captures the following members of each class: Total Firmicutes: - Anaerotruncus colihominis - Butyrivibrio crossotus - Clostridium spp. - Coprococcus eutactus - Faecalibacterium prausnitzii - Lactobacillus spp. - Pseudoflavonifractor spp. - Roseburia spp. - Ruminococcus spp. - Veillonella spp. Total Bacteroidetes: - Bacteroides-Prevotella Group (B. vulgatus & Prevotella spp.) - Barnesiella spp. - Odoribacter spp. Outcomes and General Therapeutic Considerations: Although no specific therapeutic interventions are yet known for a markedly elevated or depressed Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes Ratio, general intervention strategies directed against some of the commensals may impact this ratio and ultimately gut health. For imbalances in the F/B Ratio it is best to start by correlating with microbial diversity and abundance, and base treatments on the analytes that are out-of-range. Age dependent levels: The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio undergoes an increase from birth to adulthood and is further altered with advanced age. This ratio appears applicable in highlighting variations between infants, adults and the elderly. It can be linked to overall changes in bacterial profiles at different stages of life. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2702274/] References: - Association between body mass index and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in an adult Ukrainian population [L] - The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio of the human microbiota changes with age [L]

Influenza: Understanding the Flu and Its Prevention What is Influenza? Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild to severe, potentially leading to hospitalization and, in some cases, death. Symptoms and Impact Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.In the United States alone, the flu annually affects millions of people: Millions become sick Hundreds of thousands are hospitalized Thousands to tens of thousands die from flu-related complications Who is at Risk? While anyone can contract the flu, certain groups are at higher risk of developing serious complications: People 65 years and older Individuals with chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease) Pregnant women Young children Prevention: The Importance of Vaccination The most effective way to prevent the flu is through annual vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines work by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. Benefits of flu vaccination include: - Reduced flu illnesses - Fewer doctors' visits - Less missed work and school - Prevention of flu-related hospitalizations Additional Prevention Methods Besides vaccination, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu by: Washing your hands frequently with soap and water Avoiding close contact with sick individuals Staying home when you're sick Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing Conclusion Understanding the flu and taking preventive measures, especially getting vaccinated annually, are crucial steps in protecting yourself and others from this potentially serious illness.

H. pylori antibiotic resistance genes

needed to produce blood cells and other new tissue cells

Vitamin B9

an intermediary biomarker that is used to calculate Folate, RBC.

is considered the most reliable indicator of folate status

Unmetabolized folic acid

Folinic Acid (5-formyl THF), is an active and reduced form of folate. In the body, folinic acid may be converted into any of the other active forms of folate. Supplying the body with folinic acid bypasses many of the required metabolic steps, and it is rapidly converted to 5MTHF. -------------------- Folinic acid, also known as leucovorin, is a biologically active form of folic acid (vitamin B9) that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes within the human body. Unlike folic acid, folinic acid does not require enzymatic conversion to become biologically active, making it especially valuable in situations where individuals have impaired folic acid metabolism, such as certain medical conditions or medication use. Folinic acid is frequently used as a medication or dietary supplement to address folate deficiencies, particularly in cases of methotrexate therapy for cancer treatment, where it helps mitigate side effects and maintain healthy cell function. Additionally, it is used in the management of megaloblastic anemia, certain neurological disorders, and during pregnancy to support fetal development. Folinic acid's ability to bypass some of the enzymatic steps required for folate activation makes it a versatile and essential component in various medical treatments and nutritional interventions.

Active whole-blood folate

Pituitary feedback signal interpreted by reproductive context.