Gut Stack

Optimal Biome is an at-home gut microbiome test kit, available in the UK and US, designed to map and analyse the thousands of microbial species living in your digestive system. With detailed analysis of your gut bacteria, diversity, gut-brain axis markers and metabolic health, it gives you insights into how your microbiome may be influencing digestion, immunity, mood, energy and overall wellness.

The Optimal Biome test covers a wide range of microbiome and gut health markers including:

• Microbial diversity & richness: how many different species and how well-balanced your gut ecosystem is.
• Relative abundance of key bacterial genera and species: (e.g., Bacteroidota / Bacillota ratios, Proteobacteria abundance) Research has linked these to digestion, metabolism and body weight.
• Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production & gut-brain axis markers: gut bacteria can impact serotonin, GABA, dopamine production and mental resilience.
• Digestive health indicators: bacterial groups linked to nutrient absorption, gut-lining integrity, food sensitivities, inflammation and dysbiosis.
• Metabolic health associations: bacteria linked to how we extract energy from food and to metabolic health, which make up your Metabolic Health Score.

No, the Optimal Biome kit is fully at-home. You will receive your test kit by Royal Mail 24hr Tracked. Then, you simply collect a small stool sample using the kit, which comes with clear instructions. You then send it back to our specialist sequencing partner via the provided tracked post mailing bag. Once the sample is received, comprehensive analysis begins and your report is delivered online.

For Optimal Biome, once your sample arrives with our specialist sequencing partner, results are ready in up to 25 business days. You’ll receive an email notification and can view your full interactive report in your user portal.

Yes, each Optimal Biome test includes a 30-minute one-to-one expert consultation included in the package. Our in-house specialists guide you through your results, explain what the different markers mean, and help you build an actionable plan for improvement.

We recommend retesting every 6 months to track how your gut changes. Retest sooner if you take antibiotics or make a major change to your diet.

To ensure the most accurate results:

• Use the kit as per instructions and avoid contaminating the sample.
• Avoid heavy antibiotics or probiotics for at least a week prior (unless advised otherwise).
• Do not change your diet radically just before sampling; we want a “normal state” snapshot.
• Post the sample as soon as possible in the prepaid return envelope provided.

Note: You’ll receive a full preparation guide with your kit.

No problem! Your included consultation will help guide you, and our support team is always available if you want further clarification. We provide your gut-health report in plain English, explain any flagged markers, and recommend next steps — from diet and lifestyle to targeted supplements. Keep in mind: this test is not diagnostic and should not replace medical advice. For any serious health conditions please consult your GP.

Yes — your results and personal data are protected under strict confidentiality and data-security protocols. Only you and authorised experts can access your user portal. We never share your data without your explicit consent.

Absolutely. For a fuller picture of your internal biology, Optimal Biome can be paired with other tests such as our blood biomarker test (Optimal Bloods) or DNA testing services. Together, these provide rich insight into how your gut interacts with your metabolism, genetics and overall health trajectory.

No. GP and NHS stool tests, such as FIT, look for signs of disease. Stride's gut microbiome test is not diagnostic. It maps the bacteria living in your gut, so you can see their balance and diversity and track changes over time.

No. "Leaky gut", or increased intestinal permeability, can't be measured from a stool sample. Your report does show bacteria linked to the health of your gut lining, such as butyrate-producing species and Akkermansia.