Marker Guide

Lactate-producing microbes

What this marker measures

Lactate can be produced by both host cells and gut microbes. Microbial lactate is generated during carbohydrate fermentation and may be converted by other bacteria into short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate or propionate, or absorbed and used by the host.
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This marker is included to provide additional exploratory context; however, the clinical significance is not yet well established and the evidence base is less developed than for Microba’s core microbial markers. It should be interpreted with caution alongside the broader report and clinical picture.

Research Use Only
Lactate is an organic compound produced through the microbial fermentation of carbohydrates.
Marker summary
Lactate, produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrates, can be converted to propionate or butyrate.

1

Ammonia (urease) producing microbes

Metabolic

Research Use Only

The microbial enzyme urease breaks down the compound urea, a nitrogen waste product created by the body, into ammonia. The role of gut bacteria that produce the enzyme urease is currently not well understood.

Marker summary

The enzyme urease breaks down urea into ammonia. The role of microbial urease remains unclear.

1

Ammonia (urease) producing microbes

Metabolic

Research Use Only

The microbial enzyme urease breaks down the compound urea, a nitrogen waste product created by the body, into ammonia. The role of gut bacteria that produce the enzyme urease is currently not well understood.

Marker summary

The enzyme urease breaks down urea into ammonia. The role of microbial urease remains unclear.