Using new technology and data from tens of thousands of ZOE members, we were able to understand gut microbiome health in even greater detail and update members’ gut microbiome insights.

What changed in October 2023?

Enhanced microbiome score
We updated pre-existing Microbiome Health Scores thanks to our groundbreaking new discoveries and more precise technology. From that point onwards, all new members received Microbiome results using our enhanced scoring system.

All our existing members whose original results were based on the old microbiome score were upgraded. Due to this, some of our members might have noticed a change in their ZOE Food Scores. Thanks to your updated ZOE Microbiome Health Score, we've personalized your food and meal scores even further to reflect the best way to eat for your body.
100 ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria linked to your health
Our analysis revealed thousands of previously unknown bacteria in the gut. This groundbreaking discovery allowed us to expand our list of 'good' and 'bad' bacteria associated with your health from 30 to 100.

This expanded list includes 50 'good' and 50 'bad' bacteria, each with even stronger correlations with health markers such as inflammation and blood sugar control. This new list offers you deeper insight into your gut health profile, empowering you to make the best choices for your health.
New Gut Boosters and Suppressors
We updated your Gut Boosters and Suppressors. As a reminder, your Gut Boosters are foods associated with the ‘good’ bacteria you have in low amounts. Your Gut Suppressors are foods linked to ‘bad’ bacteria you have in high amounts.

Learn more about this update below.

FAQs

Why do my microbiome scores in the PDF and app differ?

We were able to update your score in the app but weren't able to update the historic PDFs sent out.

Your microbiome score in the app is the newest and most accurate.

Why did my original microbiome score decrease after the score upgrade?

If you noticed a decrease in your microbiome score, rest assured that this update is a significant scientific advancement that enhances your understanding of your health.

Several key factors may explain a decrease in your original microbiome score after the upgrade.

New technology and a bigger dataset
Advanced technology and an expanded dataset from our growing community enabled us to identify a broader range of gut bacteria, including previously undiscovered species. This led to the discovery of 100 bacteria (50 "good" and 50 "bad") with stronger health associations than our original list of 30 bacteria.
Recalibration
We recalibrated our scoring system to provide accurate microbiome scores for our UK members. Previously, UK scores were often higher due to our original dataset being predominantly US-based, where microbiome health was generally less favorable. As a result of this adjustment, many UK members may see lower scores.
Reanalysis of your original sample
We reanalysed your original sample based on these 100 new bacteria to give you the latest insights into your gut microbiome, in line with our most up-to-date scientific knowledge.

For some members, this reanalysis might lead to a decreased score if their levels of the new 100 bacteria are less favorable than their levels of the old 30 bacteria. Conversely, it could result in an increased score if their levels of the new 100 bacteria are more favourable.

How can you re-analyse my original gut health sample?

We have a stored digital copy of the bacteria DNA found in your original stool sample. We re-analysed this bacterial DNA using the new technology to ensure you have the most up-to-date scientific insights into your gut microbiome.

Why do my Felicia (Faecalibacterium prausnitzii) levels in the app not match what I received in my original PDF report?

The new technology we use offers a more detailed analysis of your gut microbiome. While we retained some of the previous ‘friendly’ bacteria names, we now differentiate very closely related microbial species.

Previously, we identified a single bacterium as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii (Felicia).

But, with the new technology, we’ve identified more than one closely related but separate species (SGBs). Among them, only one (SGB15317) is included in the new list of 50 'good' bacteria.

For simplicity, we chose to keep the name Felicia for SGB15317, the Faecalibacterium prausnitzii SGB in the new list of bacteria.

In some cases, ZOE members who had Felicia may have a higher presence of different subtypes of the Faecalibacterium prausnitzii species (e.g. SGB15316 and/or SGB15318). These subtypes, based on new technology and data, are now understood to be less closely associated with positive health markers.

This explains why the abundance values may appear different in your current results, despite some species names remaining the same.

Was my first microbiome score wrong?

No, any changes from your original microbiome score do not imply that your initial score was incorrect. Instead, this upgrade ensures that your new microbiome score is a more accurate and precise indicator of your gut health.