What medications & supplements should patients avoid before testing? – Tiny Health

For the most accurate representation of the baseline microbiome, the preparation varies between the Gut Health Test and the PRO Gut Health Test. We advise the following:

For the Gut Health Test:

Avoid:

• Antibiotics: 4 weeks prior
• Probiotics: 3-5 days prior (important for infants, but optional for older children and adults)

For the PRO Gut Health Test:

Avoid (unless unsafe or uncomfortable):

• Antibiotics: 4 weeks prior
• Antifungals: 3 days prior
• Digestive enzymes: 2 days prior
• Laxatives: 2 days prior (particularly mineral oil and castor oil)
• Antacids: 2 days prior
• Aspirin: 2 days prior
• Barium or bismuth-containing substances: 2 days prior

Medications that may affect results but typically continue:

• PPIs/H2 blockers: Alter pH and microbiome, but often can't stop safely; note on requisition
• Metformin: Known microbiome effects; note usage
• NSAIDs: May affect dysbiosis patterns; note chronic use
• Immunosuppressants: Continue for safety; interpret with context