My spouse was recommended to take the GI Microbial Assay Plus stool test by a naturopath. (Yes, I know. Don’t ask.)
Are there any legitimate scientific reviews (or at least unbiased reviews) of this test?
In order to keep this in GQ, I’m not asking for your opinion or experience with this test. I’m asking for links to people / sites who have studied and reviewed this test.
Thanks,
J.
This doesn’t appear to speak highly of the results.
In addition to that highly uncomplimentary analysis of GI-MAP’s performance posted by DMC, a check of the company’s website raises some red flags.
Apparently, huge numbers of people (including infants and children) are in need of this kind of testing. Quoting the website, that includes adults with:
Lots of potential customers there. Oh, and if you want insight into your child’s’ attention deficit disorder or autism, just check the ol’ microbiome.
There’s been a lot of hype about gut microbiome influencing health, much of it not backed by sound science. More on the “Wild West” of testing here:
Caution is advised in selecting a laboratory that does this sort of testing, along with questioning whether a practitioner who touts it has any relationship with the lab.
I can well imagine all the false trails and unnecessary treatments that would follow misidentification of gut pathogens, as well as the likelihood of underqualified practitioners chasing red herrings. (“Oo, there’s Candida in your stool sample! We must treat, and radically revise your diet.” (it’s normal to have Candida in your gastrointestinal tract. “Overgrowth” is commonly overdiagnosed.)
Any flyers on why these three go together?