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Digestive Health

Are do-it-yourself microbiome tests helpful?

If you're curious about your gut health, they promise answers. But the science isn't there yet.

By , Staff Writer
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Illustration of the lining of the small intesting showing thousands of villi on the inner surface; conecpt is gut health.

If you've been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you've come across ads for gut microbiome tests - mail-in kits that promise to reveal insights about your digestive health. Maybe you're intrigued. But do they deliver on their promises?

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About the Author

photo of Joyce Hendley

Joyce Hendley, Staff Writer

Joyce Hendley is a staff writer who contributes articles to Harvard Health Publishing’s flagship website and its four newsletters: the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Heart Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch. She … See Full Bio
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