COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 648
Complex, Multi-System Cases
When patients present with both GI and systemic symptoms
affecting multiple body systems, OAT provides a broad overview
of metabolic function that crosses body system boundaries [6].
Key Advantages
● Provides insight into both host metabolism and microbial
activity
● Non-invasive urine collection
● Can detect fungal overgrowth often missed on stool testing
● Assesses mitochondrial function, which may be compromised
in chronic GI conditions [7]
Comprehensive Stool Analysis (BiomeFX)
Overview and Mechanism
Modern stool testing like BiomeFX analyzes the microbiome
through advanced sequencing technologies, offering deeper
insights into microbial communities than traditional culture-based
methods. These tests evaluate diversity, bacterial composition,
potential pathogens, and functional metrics of gut health [8].
Primary Clinical Applications
Comprehensive stool analysis is most appropriate in these
scenarios:
Suspected Dysbiosis of Large Intestine
When symptoms suggest large intestinal imbalance (altered bowel
habits, bloating, abdominal discomfort), stool testing provides
direct assessment of colonic microbiome composition [9].
Following Antimicrobial Treatment
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