Gut Microbiome Tests

Gut Microbiome Tests

From Sliced Bread by BBC Radio 4

July 10, 2026 · 28 min

About this episode

The episode explores the effectiveness of gut microbiome tests and their ability to provide personalized dietary recommendations.

Can a test tell you what's living inside your gut - and what to do about it? That's what listener Pete Mace asked us, kicking off a brand new series of Sliced Bread! He's seen 'gut microbiome tests' advertised by ZOE, Randox Health and others. They promise to tell you about the bacteria - and other bugs - currently making your intestines their home. Many also claim they'll use this information to make personalised diet recommendations, showing you exactly what you should and shouldn't eat to nurture the right bugs and improve your health. Pete wants to know: what can these tests really tell you? And can they really provide a diet tailored precisely to your personal wellbeing? To find out more, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Dr Nick Ilott, Senior Researcher and lead Bioinformatician at the Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies; and Dr Fred Warren, group leader at the Quadram Institute who researches how gut microbes interact with food. All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at [email protected] OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807…

People in this episode

Host: Greg Foot

Guests: Dr Nick Ilott, Dr Fred Warren

Topics covered

  • gut microbiome
  • health tests
  • personalized diet
  • microbiome research
  • nutrition

Keywords

  • gut microbiome
  • diet recommendations
  • health tests
  • bacteria
  • nutrition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ZOE, Randox Health, Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies, Quadram Institute

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