Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose any conditions. LifeDNA does not provide diagnostic services for any conditions mentioned in this or any other article.

Viome is a health technology company that offers at-home testing services focused on analyzing the human microbiome and gene expression using metatranscriptomic sequencing. Founded in 2016 and based in the United States, Viome aims to provide personalized health insights by examining RNA activity in gut, oral, and blood samples. The company’s core approach involves assessing microbial function and host gene expression to generate individualized dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations. While Viome’s methods are grounded in emerging research in systems biology and precision nutrition, the clinical utility of its recommendations remains an area of ongoing scientific evaluation.

What is Viome? The Science

Viome uses a systems biology-based approach that integrates metatranscriptomic RNA sequencing, human expertise, and artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret active microbial and host gene expression for personalized health insights. The company’s AI engine (nicknamed “Vi”) continuously learns from millions of molecular data points and continuously updated scientific knowledge, enabling precise health scoring and targeted recommendations across gut, oral, immune, metabolic, brain, and cellular domains.

 

Viome also underpins its platform with clinical research. More than 16,000 participants across over 20 chronic conditions (e.g., IBS, depression, type 2 diabetes) are part of the evidence-building efforts. By focusing on RNA-based functional activity Viome aims to launch advanced diagnostics and personalized interventions to support prevention, early detection, and longevity.

What Do Viome Tell You? The Tests

Full Body IntelligenceTM Test

Viome’s Full Body Intelligence Test is a comprehensive health assessment tool designed to evaluate microbiome and cellular activity using RNA sequencing and advanced computational analysis. The test generates over 50 health scores that reflect the impact of an individual’s current diet and lifestyle on various physiological systems, including gut, immune, brain, heart, metabolic, oral, and cellular health. By analyzing gene expression patterns and microbial activity, the platform provides personalized insights intended to guide nutrition and supplement strategies.

 

The test output includes a food list of over 400 items categorized into “Avoid,” “Minimize,” “Enjoy,” and “Superfoods,” aimed at promoting beneficial microbial functions, reducing inflammatory processes, and supporting key health areas such as digestion, nutrient absorption, blood sugar control, and oral balance. Additionally, Viome offers supplement recommendations, tailored to each individual, based on a combination of biomarker data, clinical evidence, and life stage. These recommendations may include specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and food extracts, selected to support areas where health scores are not optimal. While the science behind personalized nutrition continues to evolve, Viome’s approach reflects ongoing efforts to integrate molecular data into individualized wellness planning.

Pricing

Full Body Intelligence™ Test: $399

Full Body Intelligence™ Essential Starter Bundle: $577

Full Body Intelligence™ with Precision Supplements & Probiotics + Prebiotics: $199/month

Gut IntelligenceTM Test

The Viome Gut Intelligence™Test is centered on metatranscriptomic analysis, a type of RNA sequencing that looks at the active functions of microorganisms in your gut, not just their presence. Using a stool sample, the test identifies microbial gene expression patterns and analyzes how your gut microbiome is interacting with your body. This provides insight into what your microbes are doing, such as producing inflammatory compounds, synthesizing vitamins, or breaking down dietary fibers.

The test delivers 20+ gut health scores, including:

 

  • Gut lining health (e.g., signs of potential permeability or “leaky gut”)
  • Microbial diversity (a marker of resilience and ecosystem balance)
  • Inflammatory activity (e.g., microbial pathways associated with endotoxins like LPS)
  • Protein fermentation (linked with ammonia and other toxic byproducts)
  • Gas production pathways (such as methane, hydrogen sulfide)
  • Butyrate production pathways (critical for colon health)
  • Digestive efficiency (fiber degradation, bile salt metabolism, etc.)

These scores help identify whether your gut is functioning optimally or contributing to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, brain fog, acne, irregular bowel movements, or metabolic issues.

 

Based on your gut activity profile, Viome provides a personalized food list of over 400 food items grouped into:

  • Superfoods – enhance beneficial pathways
  • Enjoy – generally supportive of your gut profile
  • Minimize – may contain compounds not ideal for your microbial activity
  • Avoid – may exacerbate inflammatory or unhelpful pathways

For example, you may be advised to avoid spinach due to oxalate-processing issues or include more artichokes to promote butyrate-producing bacteria.

 

In addition, Viome suggests a tailored combination of supplements that may include:

 

  • Prebiotics and Probiotics tailored to your deficiencies
  • Polyphenols for modulating microbial diversity
  • Digestive enzymes for enhancing breakdown of macronutrients
  • Vitamins and minerals based on gut-associated biosynthesis gaps
  • Herbal extracts that support gut integrity and reduce microbial imbalance

These recommendations are designed to help optimize your microbial ecosystem, reduce inflammation, and support better overall health, targeting the root causes of symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves.

 

Pricing

Gut Intelligence™Test: $279

Gut Intelligence™Essential Starter Bundle: $338

Gut Intelligence™Test with Probiotics + Prebiotics: $99/month

 

Oral Health Intelligence™ Test

Viome’s Oral Health Intelligence™ Test provides a detailed assessment of the oral microbiome using metatranscriptomic RNA analysis of a saliva sample, identifying not only which microbes are present but also their active functions. The test generates 16 precision scores that evaluate key oral health domains, such as microbial balance associated with cavities, gum inflammation, pathogen activity, and compounds contributing to bad breath (e.g., volatile sulfides and polyamines).

These insights aim to detect early microbial dysfunction that may manifest as bleeding gums, sensitivity, plaque buildup, bad breath, or dry mouth, enabling proactive oral care.

 

Following the analysis, users receive personalized guidance tailored to their oral biochemistry. This includes:

 

  • A food recommendations list (categorized into Avoid, Minimize, Enjoy, and Superfoods),
  • Targeted oral biotics (pro-, pre-, and postbiotics),
  • Personalized formulations of toothpaste, gel, and lozenges.

Each recommendation is designed to:

  • Reduce inflammation and support gum integrity,
  • Counteract cavity-promoting bacteria,
  • Minimize breath odor
  • Balance pH through microbial modulation

 

The combination of tailored dietary advice, supplemental oral products, and ongoing testing supports maintenance and improvement of oral microbiome health, recognized as influential not only for dental hygiene but also for broader systemic wellness.

 

Pricing

Oral Health Intelligence™ Test: $259

Oral Health Intelligence™ Test Complete Starter Bundle: $329

Oral Health Intelligence™ Plan: $109/month 

How It Works

Viome’s approach begins with at-home sample collection (stool for gut, plus saliva and/or blood for other tests). The samples are sent to a CLIA-certified lab for metatranscriptomic RNA sequencing. The samples are analyzed for active microbial and human gene expression to reveal real-time biological function, not just microbial presence. Their proprietary bioinformatics and AI engine (“Vi”) processes millions of RNA data points to generate personalized health scores for domains like gut, oral, immune, and cellular health.

 

Based on these scores, Viome delivers tailored recommendations: a detailed food list of over 400 items categorized into Avoid, Minimize, Enjoy, and Superfoods. This includes a customized supplement and biotic (pre- and probiotics) plans. These suggestions are designed to target detected molecular imbalances, such as inflammation, microbial dysbiosis, or impaired nutrient absorption, using evidence-based dosages and ingredient selection. Users receive results within 2–3 weeks and are encouraged to retest every 4–6 months to monitor progress and optimize recommendations over time.

Is it Safe to Use Viome? Safety & Privacy

Viome implements multiple layers of physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect customer data. Connections to its website and apps are encrypted via SSL, and sensitive data is protected. Health and sample information is stored in secure cloud environments using encryption, de‑identification, pseudonymization, data segmentation, and access controls such as multi‑factor authentication and least‑privilege permissions. Personally identifiable information (PII) is separated from protected health information (PHI), ensuring that sample data is labeled only with assigned codes rather than direct identifiers.

 

Viome’s CLIA‑certified labs also claim to follow strict sample-handling protocols. Only a limited number of qualified personnel are granted access with each bound by confidentiality agreements. They perform periodic risk assessments of ePHI systems to maintain data integrity and monitor for potential vulnerabilities. 

 

Importantly, Viome does not sell personal data, nor does it share identifiable information with employers or insurers. However, they share identifiable data with third parties (like healthcare providers) with explicit user consent. Moreover, Viome uses RNA sequencing rather than DNA, reducing the risks of personal identification via genetic databases. Cookies and tracking tools are subject to clear policies and compliant opt-in controls.

Drawbacks of RNA Sequencing

While metatranscriptomics can yield more functionally relevant insights, it comes with several drawbacks compared to DNA-based methods:

RNA is inherently unstable

  • RNA degrades quickly during sample collection, storage, and processing due to RNases, making it much more fragile than DNA.
  • Impact: Sample handling must be rapid and tightly controlled, or results may be biased or unusable.

Complex sample preparation and bias

  • RNA extraction and library preparation are more technically demanding. Information-poor ribosomal RNA (rRNA) comprises over 90% of total RNA, requiring depletion steps that may introduce bias.
  • Impact: Variability in depletion efficiency can skew the representation of transcripts and underrepresent certain taxa or functions.

3. Low microbial mRNA abundance

  • Microbial mRNA is only a small fraction of total RNA and is often overshadowed by host RNA or non-coding RNAs.
  • Impact: Requires deep sequencing and careful filtering to isolate meaningful microbial signals, making the sequencing more expensive and computationally intensive than that of DNA.

4. Snapshot of transient activity

  • mRNA levels reflect real-time gene expression, which can fluctuate rapidly in response to diet, stress, or other short-term factors.
  • Impact: It may be difficult to distinguish between meaningful, sustained microbial activity and transient responses, leading to challenges in interpretation.

5. Greater susceptibility to host contamination

  • In fecal or intestinal samples, host epithelial or immune cells contribute significantly to the RNA pool.
  • Impact: Contamination can obscure microbial signals unless host RNA is effectively removed, requiring additional processing and controls.

6. Interpretation complexity

  • Gene expression data must be contextualized with microbial taxonomy and genome annotation, which are limited for many non-model gut microbes.
  • Impact: Incomplete reference databases and annotation pipelines may hamper accurate identification of transcripts and their functional roles.

Alternative to Viome: LifeDNA

LifeDNA has emerged as a prominent option for genetic testing owing to a combination of unique offerings and a commitment to personalized wellness. 

 

We offer a basic DNA raw data analysis package to kickstart your journey. Users with raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, etc., can access close to 300 traits across interests such as Nutrition, Wellness, Vitamins and Supplements, Personality, Fitness, Sleep, Methylation Genes, Detoxification Genes, and Skincare. We also offer our own DNA-based Gut Microbiome report and will soon be launching a GLP-1 DNA Report. Read more details here.

 

If you do not already have raw DNA data, such as from 23andMe, LifeDNA provides that too. Start your personalized wellness journey with LifeDNA’s state-of-the-art DNA kits here.

 

Here is why many regard LifeDNA as the best option for genetic testing:

 

  • Holistic Approach to Wellness: Unlike many other platforms that focus strictly on health-related risks or ancestry, LifeDNA adopts a holistic approach. We analyze genetic data to offer personalized optimizations for nutrition (including a customized grocery list!), skin care, vitamins & supplements, wellness, personality & cognition, sleep, and fitness. This range lets users get a complete picture of their wellness needs based on their DNA.
  • Product Recommendations: We go beyond just providing insights. We offer specific product recommendations, skincare ingredients, or supplements tailored to an individual’s genetic profile. It makes our service actionable, allowing users to make immediate changes based on their results.
  • Data Security: At LifeDNA, we place a high emphasis on protecting user data. Our commitment to privacy ensures that users can trust the platform with their sensitive genetic information.
  • User-Friendly Reports: LifeDNA reports are easy to interpret. Our reports are designed to be accessible to the layperson without compromising on the depth and accuracy of the information.
  • Continual Updates: As genetic research evolves, so does LifeDNA’s platform. Users can expect their reports and insights to be updated with the latest scientific findings.
  • Dedicated Research and Development: At LifeDNA, we invest in research to continually refine our algorithms, ensuring that the insights provided are based on cutting-edge science.
  • Educational Resources: LifeDNA also provides ample resources for users to understand their genetic makeup better. This education-first approach demystifies the complex world of genetics, making it approachable and actionable for everyone.
  • Scientific rigor: To create an unmatched commitment to scientific rigor, LifeDNA partners with CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, and HIPAA-compliant laboratories.