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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 test detect?
  • Our microbiome platform (Gutbuster) can detect over 23,000 different organisms including bacteria, parasites, yeast, viruses, phases, and fungi.
  • Some common organisms that our platform can detect include: Candida, H. pylori, Blastocystis hominis, and E-coli.
  • To keep things simple, our microbiome report only highlights organisms that have a .02% abundance level or higher meaning that if you were looking for a specific organism on the report and can't find it, it is likely that the organism was not detected at a high enough level (over .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.
How do I collect my sample?
With your kit, you will receive an instructions booklet for how to take the at-home stool collection. A pre-paid mailer is also included for easy return of your sample! For more detailed instructions on how to collect the sample, watch the collection video in our Collection Instructions page.
What’s the difference between the two tests you offer?
The tests are the same. We just give you a discount and make the test $99 when purchasing the monthly subscription. Month 2 of the monthly subscription starts the custom probiotics.
How often should I retest?
Monthly subscribers retest for free every 4 months on the probiotics. It is optional to return the test, but we highly recommend it so we can update your formula with your changing microbiome. Diet, antibiotics, our custom probiotics, and more can change the microbiome.
How do I read my report?
  • The Microbiome Analysis is very thorough. We suggest taking the time to digest the information by first reading the summary information provided on the home dashboard. On the home dashboard, you can also find information about your microbiome as it compares with a reference dataset from the American Gut Project as well as a score (how healthy is your microbiome).
  • From there, you can work through the individual tabs breaking down subsections of your gut microbiome starting with the Top Ten (top ten microbes by abundance), Probiotic Profile, Harmful Microbes etc. Each of the microbes includes a brief description and comparison information so that you can gauge how you stack up with other Floré customers.
  • If you are using the Floré Mobile Application, some of the more common microbes include brief videos about certain microbes. These "Microbe Moments" can also be found on our YouTube channel.
  • Want help reviewing it? You can schedule a free call to review your results with our Scientific Liaison.
  • With your kit, you will receive an instructions booklet for how to take the at-home stool collection. A pre-paid mailer is also included for easy return of your sample! For more detailed instructions on how to collect the sample, watch the collection video in our Collection Instructions page.
Our Custom Probiotics
How does Floré help my microbiome?
Part of Sun Genomics' process is to analyze your gut composition and record which microbes your body has both ample and deficient supply of. Based on the data, we will craft a probiotic that will help fortify your gut into a stronger and healthier state.
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 it 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.
Will I have to take it to the rest of my life?
All customers are different in how they plan to manage their microbiome. After 4 months, we encourage customers to retest and see how their microbiome has changed.
What forms do the probiotics come in?
We offer capsules and powder form. Capsules are ideal for adults and older children who can swallow pills since they are enterically coated to survive the stomach acid. Powder is mixed with a liquid or soft food and is reserved for infants/children and adults who can not swallow capsules.
Where are my probiotics made?
Everything we do is in-house. Every step of the process from formulation to fulfillment is done at our headquarters in San Diego, California.
What about if my probiotics are warm when they arrive?
It is not uncommon for the package to arrive warm or even hot. The included ice pack is intended to prevent extreme temperature spiking while in transit. Your probiotics are not impacted by this temperature change. Most probiotic strains can endure temperatures up to 112F and all are happy at body temperature of 98F. Our probiotics are alive when shipped so as long as they aren't left out for more than 30 days, their viability is maintained. We recommend refrigeration upon arrival as they are good for up to 1 year that way.
How important is refrigeration during travel if I want to take my probiotics with me?
We have run rigorous testing in house to understand the viability of the strains in each of our probiotics under specific temperature conditions. Most probiotic strains can endure temperatures up to 112F and all are happy at body temperature of 98F. 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 at room temperature.
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?
what you get
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 here.
  • 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” which can be found on the left of the screen.
  • Once you click the Manage Subscription link, a toolbar will open that will allow you to toggle between subscriptions, upcoming orders, purchase history, shipping addresses, and billing information.
  • Click "Subscriptions" to identify your active and inactive subscriptions.
  • Select a specific subscription to cancel, skip, or reactivate your subscription.
  • 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.
  • Additionally, monthly subscriptions may be classified as a few different product types within one subscription which may be a bit confusing. Rest assured you will not be charged for these items that are indicated as $0.
How do I apply a discount code to my subscription?
To apply a discount code to your subscription, login to Account Management and choose "Subscriptions" from the toolbar along the top. Scroll down to the bottom and hit "Discount." Appy a code or change a code there.
How do I manage my rewards (microbes)?
You can view your number of rewards points (microbes) when logged into the Account Management page. Click on "Earn Rewards" at the upper right-hand corner of the website and a pop up will appear for all the rewards program info and your status. You can redeem your rewards there. To apply a discount code to your subscription, choose "Subscriptions" from the toolbar along the top when logged in at Account Management. Scroll down to the bottom and hit "Discount." Appy a code or change a code there. Let us know if you have any trouble with this and we can assist in applying the code on our end.