The Gut – A Central Hub of Human Health
The gut is one of the most complex and vital systems in the human body. It not only digests and absorbs nutrients but also plays a key role in immunity, energy regulation, and communication with the brain. The small intestine is responsible for nutrient absorption and biochemical signaling, while the large intestine hosts a dense microbial community — the gut microbiome — that ferments dietary fibers and other undigested components into a wide range of postbiotic metabolites.
The Microbiome and Its Functional Output
Our gut microbiota consists of trillions of microorganisms living in a finely tuned symbiosis with their host. Their activity contributes to essential biological functions, including:
Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate — key energy sources for colon cells and regulators of inflammation and metabolism.
Synthesis of vitamins, including vitamin K₂, produced by certain gut bacteria and supporting bone and cardiovascular health.
Conversion of amino acids, especially tryptophan, into beneficial metabolites such as indole-3-lactic acid (ILA) and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) — compounds that stabilize gut barrier function and modulate immune and neurological signaling.
Together, these postbiotic metabolites reflect the functional state of the gut ecosystem, offering a window into how diet, stress, and lifestyle shape metabolic resilience.
The Zinzino Gut Health Test: A New Way to Understand Gut and Metabolic Health
Traditional microbiome tests focus on who’s there—identifying which microbial species inhabit your gut. The new Zinzino Gut Health Test, powered by Vitas, takes the next step: it looks at what they are doing.
This approach measures the functional output of your microbiota, revealing how microbial activity and host metabolism interact to shape your overall health and resilience.
The Tryptophan Crossroads
At the heart of the test lies tryptophan, an essential amino acid that sits at the intersection of microbial metabolism, immune regulation, and neurochemistry.
Tryptophan can be metabolized along several biological routes—some driven by your body, others by gut microbes. The balance among these pathways offers a unique insight into how your microbiome and immune system are functioning together.
IPA: A Marker of Microbial Support and Stability
A key molecule measured in this test is Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a beneficial microbial metabolite produced by specific gut bacteria.
IPA serves as a stabilizing signal in the body—its presence reflects a diverse, fiber-fed microbiota and contributes to maintaining gut barrier integrity and antioxidant defense.
Low levels of IPA suggest reduced microbial support and possible metabolic strain.
Higher levels indicate a resilient, well-nourished microbiota contributing to balance and systemic stability
Why Ratios Matter
The Zinzino Gut Health Test does not rely on single markers in isolation. Instead, it evaluates ratios and pathway balances—creating a dynamic fingerprint that captures the tension between resilience and strain in your biological system.
This integrated perspective translates complex biochemical data into a simple, personal insight: whether your system is adapting well to diet and lifestyle or showing signs of imbalance.
The Diet and Lifestyle Connection
Tryptophan metabolism mirrors our daily choices. Diets rich in fiber and polyphenols tend to promote beneficial microbial pathways, while chronic stress or poor nutrition can shift metabolism toward less favorable routes.
Through this test, one drop of blood can reveal how your diet, stress, and lifestyle are shaping your internal ecosystem.
From Markers to Meaning
The result of the analysis is summarized in a Gut Health Index, offering a clear view of where your system stands—leaning toward resilience or strain.
By translating advanced biochemical signals into actionable insights, the Zinzino Gut Health Test helps individuals make more informed decisions about nutrition, recovery, and long-term metabolic health.
Analysis Performed by Vitas
Vitas AS performs the analysis of tryptophan-derived metabolites for Zinzino using a validated quantitative LC-FLD/UV method (AM-654). The assay quantifies key gut-derived metabolites — including among others tryptophan (TRY), kynurenine (KYN) and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) — from a single dried blood spot (DBS).
Full details about the analytical principle, sample preparation, and method performance are available here: