What Is Viome? Exploring the Science Behind Personalized Gut Health Testing

What Is Viome?

Viome is a health technology company specializing in microbiome and gut health testing. Founded in 2016 and based in Bellevue, Washington, the company uses artificial intelligence and RNA sequencing to analyze biological samples and provide personalized nutrition recommendations.

How Viome Works

Viome’s main service involves at-home testing kits that require users to submit stool, saliva, or blood samples. The company analyzes these samples in its laboratory, aiming to decode the user’s gut microbiome — the complex community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract.

Viome then generates a report, accessible via its app, detailing gut health scores and tailored suggestions for diet, supplements, and probiotics. The recommendations are designed to help users address issues ranging from digestive discomfort to energy and immune function.

The Science Behind Viome’s Approach

Viome leverages metatranscriptomic sequencing, a technique for studying RNA in microbiome samples. This process identifies and quantifies active microbes and their metabolic functions, which, according to Viome, provides deeper insights than traditional DNA-based gut tests.

The company’s artificial intelligence platform interprets these data to assess gut function, the presence of specific bacteria or yeast, and the activity of microbial pathways linked to inflammation and nutrient metabolism.

Founding and Partnerships

Viome was founded by Naveen Jain, a technology entrepreneur, with the goal of using advanced science to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. The company has raised over $100 million in funding and reports partnerships with organizations such as the Mayo Clinic and GSK.

In 2021, Viome received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its saliva-based oral and throat cancer detection test, signaling regulatory support for its technology.

Market Position and Criticism

Viome operates in a growing market for personalized health and wellness, competing with other microbiome testing startups and genetic testing companies. According to Viome, over 400,000 individuals have used its services.

Some scientists express caution, noting that the science of the human microbiome is still evolving. In 2022, the American Gastroenterological Association stated that “the role of microbiome testing in routine clinical care remains unproven,” although ongoing research continues to explore its potential benefits.

Consumer Experience and Availability

Viome’s testing kits are available online and ship to customers in the United States and select international locations. Prices for the Gut Intelligence Test start at approximately $100, with bundled options for broader testing and subscription-based supplement delivery.

The company provides customer support and periodic updates to its app and algorithms. Users receive individualized feedback, but Viome notes that its service is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.