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Frequently Asked Questions

Our Microbiome Test

What is the microbiome?
  • The microbiome is the collection of all the microbes and their corresponding set of genes. Sun Genomics focuses on the microbiome located in the gut. A common misconception is that all these microbes are bad for you, but that is not true; microbes play an integral role in aiding the body's immunological, nutritional, and metabolic functions.
What can your outsourced testing detect?
  • While Sun Genomics no longer performs the physical testing for the microbiome, we do receive the raw data from our Lab Partners and analyze the data through our Whole Genome Sequencing Pipeline.
  • Our microbiome analysis pipeline (Gutbuster) can detect over 23,000 different organisms including bacteria, parasites, yeast, viruses, phases, and fungi from raw sequencing data. Some common organisms that our platform can detect include Candida, H. pylori, Blastocystis hominis, C. diff, and E. coli.
  • To keep things simple, we and our partners report only organisms that have a 0.02% abundance level or higher. If you are looking for a specific organism in your report and cannot find it, it is likely that the organism was not detected at a high enough level (over 0.02% abundance).
  • We cannot detect any human DNA, so we can't detect blood in the stool. This means we are not capturing your DNA itself, only the DNA of the microbes living in your gut.
What’s the difference between the tests you offer?
  • We have selected our lab partners based on their ability to provide the same quality testing that we performed over the last 8 years of operating.
  • Our Gut Health Test and the monthly subscription include the same comprehensive microbiome mapping test.
  • A key change to our direct program is that you will pay for an Onboarding Microbiome Test that provides access to an analysis through our custom pipeline, and a formulation step to make your probiotics.
  • The following monthly subscription ($99) covers the manufacturing and delivery of your personalized, precision probiotics
  • Note: Calprotectin is a specific test to look at the level of the protein Calprotectin in the gut, which aids in diagnosing IBD and is not detected by the Whole Genome Sequencing Microbiome Mapping test. This test is only available when requested by a provider. If you need access to a gut health provider, we can connect you to a provider in our network or provide you with materials you can use to speak directly to your physician.
How often should I retest?
  • Monthly subscribers retest every 6 months on the probiotics, and the cost of the test includes the physical performance of the test by our partner lab, an updated analysis and a new formulation for $249. It is optional to do the test, but we highly recommend it so we can update your formula with your changing microbiome. Changes to the microbiome can occur due to antibiotic usage, probiotic usage, and dietary changes. If you notice differences in your gut health, it is wise to re-test to determine how our products can support your wellness.
How do I read my report?
  • Your report will be available to you through the Floré portal.
  • Questions about your report can be answered by your physician, or be answered by the performing laboratory, whose contact information is available on the report.
  • The details of the report include prevalent microorganisms, the presence of pathogenic (harmful) microbes, and abundance of key vitamins, short-chain fatty acids, and other key metabolites.
  • The view is slightly different in the mobile app.
  • The reference ranges of acceptable levels of each metabolite are also available in the report.
Need help collecting your sample? Watch our instructions video.
How do I collect my sample?
Our Custom Probiotics
What is included in the probiotics? Are they vegan? Are they gluten free?
  • Our probiotic formulas are free of gluten, dairy, corn, and soy. The capsule is vegan and alage-based. The only things you'll find in the formula are the probiotic strains and prebiotic plant-based ingredients to help the probiotics flourish. You can indicate any allergies or sensitivities on the health and diet survey at time of Box return and registration.
    How does Floré help my microbiome?
    • The Floré process uses raw sequencing data to craft a probiotic formula that fortifies your gut health and wellness.
    How do I take the probiotics?
    • Capsules (Floré): The probiotics can be taken anytime, but we suggest taking one probiotic pill every day in the morning, at least 20 minutes before breakfast. Taking with water is best.
    • Powder (Floré Baby, Tots, & Kids): Mix one 1/4 teaspoon serving (using the scoop provided) into your child's favorite cold drink. We suggest using water, milk or juice. The probiotics can be taken anytime, but it is best to take them in the morning about 20-30 minutes before breakfast.
    • In the first shipment, everyone receives a personalized bamboo bottle and a week's worth of a Prime version that is 1/6th the strength. Take this for the first seven days to get your body acclimated before beginning your first full-strength dose. (Note: the color may vary between the Prime and full-strength due to the different concentrations.)
    When can I expect to see results?
    • It's important to note that every person is different in both their gut profile as well as their reaction to probiotics. Therefore, everyone's results and reaction time is a variable that we cannot predict. What we can predict is that your overall health will improve. Note: You may experience seemingly negative side effects during the first weeks of probiotic usage as the microbiome is restored to a healthier state. This is due to the adjustment of the microbiome to a state that better serves your overall health and wellness.
    Will I have to take it for the rest of my life?
    • All customers are different in how they plan to manage their microbiome. We believe that there are benefits to prolonged usage of our products, and that maintaining a healthy microbiome in an ever-changing environment (Diet, Antibiotics, etc.) requires monitoring and a proactive approach. We are happy to reformulate your probiotics as your gut needs change.
    What forms do probiotics come in?
    • We offer probiotics in capsules and powder form. Capsules are ideal for adults and older children who can swallow pills since they are enterically coated to survive stomach acid. The powder form is mixed with a liquid or soft food and is reserved for infants/children and adults who cannot swallow capsules.
    Where are my probiotics made?
    • Your probiotics are made in our manufacturing facility in San Diego, California. Our facility is UL-certified, and all products are tested during the manufacturing process for purity and content.
    How important is refrigeration during travel if I want to take my probiotics with me?
    • Most probiotic strains can endure temperatures up to 112°F and all are happy at body temperature of 98°F. Our probiotics are cold shipped to ensure survivability and prevent temperature spikes in transit. The bamboo travel jar included in your first month protects the probiotics for up to 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) at room temperature. The ice pack may arrive thawed. This does not impact the quality of your probiotics but serves as a method to prevent extreme temperature alterations. A thawed ice pack is not a problem.
    What do I do if the probiotics aren’t working for me?
    • If you’ve been taking the custom probiotics and feel they are not working well for you, please reach out to customerservice@sungenomics.com within the first month so we can discuss a possible reformulation.
    Subscription Management
    How does the monthly subscription work?
    • Month 1 is the test, analysis, and formulation, for $299. Starting at month 2, you get a custom formula every month for $99 a month. With your subscription you also receive a reduced-cost test, analysis, and free-reformulation ($249) for adherence.
    Can I cancel at any time?
    How do I manage my subscription?
    You can manage your subscription (including pushing out your next renewal or canceling) by following the account management link on our website or by clicking on this Link.
    • Log into your account using your email and password. If this is your first time trying to manage your account, you will need to create a new account.
    • After logging into your account, click on “Manage Subscriptions” in the middle of the screen.
    • Select a specific subscription to adjust the renewal date, cancel, add a discount code, change the card on file etc.
    • Please note that the account management log-in is different from the log-in information you may have used to create an account on the Floré mobile app or on our web portal and you may need to create this account to manage your subscription.