In an ever-changing world, what if we told you there was technology that could analyze an individual’s gut biology and gain insights into their health? The friendly bacteria in your gut can help strengthen immunity and influence cognitive abilities. Gut bacteria also affect your risk for certain brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and autism. That’s what Viome, a health testing company in the United States, has set out to develop! Let's take a look at Viome reviews, highlighting what the internet has to say about them, and add our own two cents.
Highlights
- Viome leverages artificial intelligence to analyze mRNA samples, identifying and quantifying microbes to provide detailed insights into an individual’s gut microbiome. By focusing on early diagnostics and predictive analysis, Viome helps manage gut health and reduce chronic diseases.
- Its tests reveal how microorganisms function and the products they produce, enabling personalized food, lifestyle recommendations, and supplements tailored to the individual.
What Is Viome?
Viome is a health health testing company that uses mRNA (mitochondrial RNA) samples to identify the microbes in an individual’s gut.
With an in-depth gut microbiome analysis, the company allows individuals to identify their risk for chronic diseases and other health concerns, such as cancer and aging.
Viome offers personalized recommendations for nutrition, supplements, and precision therapeutics based on the test results.
The company's headquarters is in Washington, United States.
How Does Microbiome Testing Work?
Most companies that offer microbiome testing use a person’s stool sample.
There are two types of fecal testing that a company may offer–
- Markers that indicate illness or a condition
- DNA extraction
Here’s what a typical microbial testing looks like:
- The doctor or healthcare professional collects the stool sample and grows the bacteria in a lab.
- This process allows the professional to understand the type of bacteria causing the symptoms.
- The results of microbiome testing enable the healthcare professional to personalize the treatment for the individual, from a tailor-made nutrition plan to a supplement prescription.
How Viome Works
Viome uses AI and RNA sequencing to identify and quantify microbes.
These techniques can study various strains of viruses, bacteria, yeast species, and other parasites.
Viome test analyses how microbes function and the metabolites they produce.
The results are then used to control an individual’s gut microbiome and reduce the risk for chronic diseases.
The company claims to do this by offering food, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations tailored to an individual’s needs based on their test results.
Viome Tests And Services
Viome offers the following products:
- Health intelligence test
A person provides blood or stool samples for this test to analyze their gut microbiome and gene expression.
The scores help individuals measure their stress, immune response, and mitochondrial and cellular health.
These scores also determine the person’s biological age and if it is the same as their chronological age.
- Gut intelligence test
This test requires a stool sample to assess gut microbiome health.
The individual receives a dietary recommendation chart with foods and supplements that they can benefit from and help optimize their gut health.
- Precision supplements
Based on test results, each individual receives a personalized and precise recommendation for supplements, including vitamins, food extracts, minerals, herbs, and probiotics.
These nutrients are formulated on demand and can be shipped directly to the individual every month.
- VRx My·Biotics™️ Gut Formula
Viome’s personalized probiotic and prebiotic formulas promote microbial richness and diversity, supporting gut health and total body wellness.
How To Get Started?
Viome offers a one-time purchase of tests and also allows plans on a subscription.
The subscription plans may include probiotic and prebiotic supplements and annual tests.
Once you book your test or subscribe to the annual plan, follow the instructions and send the required samples to the lab.
The test results will be available around four weeks after the lab receives the samples.
You can see your results online on the company website or the app.
What Lab Does Viome Use?
Viome performs their test analyses at a CLIA-certified US laboratory in Bothell, WA.
The lab is certified to meet certain quality standards and ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
Viome Reviews: Microbiome Results
There have been a few negative reviews about Viome due to the delayed test results.
Though many people have positively reviewed how a Viome test result has improved their health, more research is required to prove this.
Is Viome The Right Call? What Experts Say
Let’s dive deep into reviews and reports about how Viome may improve health.
- A 2021 study sponsored by Viome shows that precision nutrition improved clinical outcomes in people with anxiety, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and type 2 diabetes.
- A 2020 report showed how the gut microbiome and factors like height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and food composition affect the glycemic response in adults.
- A 2019 peer-reviewed study highlights the accuracy and effectiveness of Viomega, a stool analysis method developed by Viome.
Since all the authors of the above studies were employees of Viome and the company sponsored these studies, there is bias, and the results may not be reliable.
Our Take: While some studies have highlighted the effectiveness of Viome tests, these are limited in both quantity and scale. Substantial clinical research and validation will be needed before Viome can reliably support individuals in transforming their gut health and reducing their risk for chronic conditions.
Viome Pricing
The pricing of different Viome tests is given below:
| Type of Test | Price (in USD) |
| Full Body Health Solutions | $169.15/month |
| Full Body Intelligence Test (Test Only) | $299 |
| Gut Health Solutions | $67.15/month |
| Gut Intelligence Test (Test Only) | $279 |
| Oral Health Solutions | $67.15/month |
| Oral Health Intelligence Test (Test Only) | $259 |
| Precision Supplements | $126.65/month |
| VRx My·Biotics™ Gut Formula | $67.15/month |
| VRx My·Biotics™ Toothpaste & Gel | $67.15/month |
| CancerDetect Test for Oral and Throat Cancer | $599 |
Viome Reviews: Pros and Cons
There are several pros and cons that you must consider before opting to undergo a Viome test.
Pros/Advantages of Viome
- It offers personalized treatment recommendations and supplements based on reports.
- It has a user-friendly app
- Identifies a wide range of microorganisms found in the gut
- It uses RNA technology instead of DNA, which helps protect individual privacy
- Updates results according to AI algorithms
- Adds features regularly as research
Cons/Disadvantages of Viome
- May use vague language around the sampling process and lab analysis
- Offers broad health claims without strong research backing
- It may provide unreliable current research with a conflict of interest
- Requires stool and blood samples that may be difficult to obtain in some cases
- The annual plan can be expensive
- The test cost does not cover international shipping costs.
- Service offered in very few countries
Viome Reviews: Why Are There So Many 1-Star Reviews?
The Better Business Bureau has not accredited Viome.
However, it has given Viome an A+ rating.
The company has also resolved 52 complaints over the last 3 years.
However, the company scored 1.24 out of 5 stars from 59 customer reviews.
People who reported improvement in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease gave positive reviews.
Most negative reviews highlighted the following reasons:
- Delayed test results
- Difficulty in getting refunds
- Customer service issues
- Problems with registration
Viome Reviews On Reddit
While Viome has mixed reviews on Reddit, most people were unhappy with the company’s test, processing time, and results.
There is speculation that Viome themselves have pushed artificial positive reviews on Reddit.
Some customers are unhappy with the “unscientific” nature of the test results.
Some individuals have stated that their Viome test helped them better understand their body and gut health.
The affordability of Viome tests works in favor of the company as well.
FAQs About Viome Reviews:
What Is The Difference Between Viome And Everlywell?
The primary difference between Viome and EverlyWell is that Viome provides personalized dietary recommendations based on gut microbiome analysis.
Everlywell, on the other hand, provides general recommendations for improving gut health.
Since Viome offers personalized recommendations, they may be more effective in improving gut health.
Is Viome FDA-approved?
Viome tests are not FDA-approved and, therefore, are not recommended for diagnosis of conditions.
However, Viome recently received an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for its saliva tool, which can help screen for oral cancers.
How Long Does It Take To Get Results From Viome?
After the lab receives the sample, it may take around 4 weeks for the results to become available online- on the company website or the app.
What To Know Before Taking A Viome Test
Here are a four few things to keep in mind before taking a Viome test:
- The tests are not FDA-approved and cannot diagnose a condition.
- After the lab receives your sample, it takes at least four weeks to get your test results online. However, several people have expressed displeasure with delayed results.
- Follow the instructions given in the test kit for proper sample collection and transport.
- You can retake the Viome test once every four to six months to track the changes to your gut microbiome.
Summary: Viome Reviews
- Viome is a health testing company that uses artificial intelligence to analyze mRNA samples to determine an individual’s gut microbiome.
- Viome test Viome uses artificial intelligence (AI) and RNA sequencing to identify and quantify microbes based on their function and the metabolites they produce.
- Viome offers Gut Intelligence Test, Health Intelligence Test, precision supplements, and VRx My·Biotics™️ Gut Formula.
- Viome test analyses are performed at a CLIA-certified US laboratory in Bothell, WA. The company offers a one-time purchase and subscription-based plan.
- While there are a few studies on Viome’s effectiveness in improving gut and overall health, most of them are Viome-sponsored.
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