GI Effects Fundamentals Profile

Overview:

What is the GI Effects Fundamentals?

The GI Effects Fundamentals stool profile offers valuable insight into digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome. Optional add-on tests allow the clinician to choose pertinent markers for each patient, including parasitology and others.

The core biomarkers from the GI Effects Fundamentals Profile are reported using the DIG framework, providing key clinical information for three main gastrointestinal functional areas (markers denoted with * are not available in NY):

Digestion/Absorption:

• Pancreatic Elastase-1 is a marker of exocrine pancreatic function.
• Products of Protein Breakdown are markers of undigested protein reaching the colon.
• Fecal Fat is a marker of fat breakdown and absorption.
• Inflammation/Immunology:
• Calprotectin is a marker of neutrophil-driven inflammation. Produced in abundance at sites of inflammation, this biomarker has been proven clinically useful in differentiating between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).1,2
• Eosinophil Protein X is a marker of eosinophil-driven inflammation and allergic response.
• Fecal Occult Blood detects hidden blood.

Gut Microbiome:

Metabolic indicators demonstrate specific and vital metabolic functions performed by the microbiota. These include:

Beneficial Short–Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), including n–Butyrate, are fermentation products produced by bacterial action on fiber and resistant starch. N-butyrate is the primary fuel source for colonocytes.

Beta-glucuronidase* is an enzyme produced by bacteria that relates to the metabolism and detoxification of certain substances.

Bacteria and mycology cultures demonstrate the presence of specific beneficial and pathogenic organisms.

Bacteria and mycology sensitivities are provided for pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organisms that have been cultured. The report includes effective prescriptive and natural agents.

Additional Biomarkers Available:

• Parasitology
• Includes microscopic fecal specimen examination for ova and parasites (O&P), the gold standard of diagnosis for many parasites.
• 6 Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets* detect common protozoan parasites including Blastocystis spp., Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia.
• Secretory IgA*
• Campylobacter
• Clostridium difficile
• Escherichia coli
• Helicobacter pylori*
• Macroscopic Exam for Worms
• KOH Preparation for Yeast
• Zonulin Family Peptide

When should GI Effects Fundamentals be considered?

The GI Effects Fundamentals Profile can reveal important information about the root cause of many common gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

What advantage does the GI Effects Fundamentals offer compared to other diagnostics?

A structured fecal biomarker panel offers the advantage of assessing multiple functional areas that may be contributing to symptoms. For example, diarrhea can originate from multiple causes including pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, inflammation, food allergies, or the presence of a pathogenic or potentially pathogenic organism.3,4

GI Effects profiles utilize the best technical platforms to assess gut health, including Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology for cultivable species identification, as well as stool-based biomarkers for gastrointestinal diagnostics.

What can clinicians and patients expect from stool testing?

The GI Effects Fundamentals Profile biomarkers provide comprehensive information for the development of strategic interventions. Symptoms often improve as identified functional imbalances and inadequacies become normalized through targeted dietary, lifestyle, and supplementation therapeutics.