Microbiome Diversity (Shannon Index)
The Shannon index summarizes the richness and evenness of the gut microbiome from stool sequencing into a single diversity score. A preventive practice tracks it because greater microbial diversity is broadly associated with metabolic health, immune resilience, and longevity.
What It Measures
Alpha diversity of stool microbiome via 16S/shotgun sequencing.
Optimal vs. Lab Range
Target range for optimal health and longevity based on research.
Population-based reference range from standard labs.
Why It Matters
Higher diversity correlates with metabolic health, immune resilience, and longevity.
When Low
Low diversity → dysbiosis risk, reduced SCFA, immune dysregulation.
When Optimal
High diversity → resilient microbiome, robust SCFA production.
When High
Very high without context is rare; context-dependent.
How to Optimize
Eat 30+ different plants/week, daily fermented foods, prebiotic fibers, minimize unnecessary antibiotics.
Key Interventions & Linked Compounds
Strong (8/10)Key Interventions
Linked Compounds & Supplements
Curated from clinical literature. Individual results vary; consult a qualified clinician before changing a protocol.
Ordering Notes
Specimen
Serum or plasma (venous draw)
Patient prep
No fasting required. Maintain usual diet and medications unless advised.
Recommended cadence
Re-test every 3–6 months when actively optimizing; annually for monitoring.
Reporting unit
index
Pre-analytic notes
Standardize draw time of day, hydration, and recent exercise. Note any acute illness, supplements, or hormonal therapies on the requisition.
Recommended Follow-Up Actions
- 1
Confirm the result is reliable
Repeat abnormal values before acting — preferably from the same lab, same time of day, and under consistent prep. Rule out acute illness, recent intense exercise, or medication effects that can shift Microbiome Diversity (Shannon Index).
- 2
Compare against optimal, not just lab range
Use the optimal window above as the target. Lab "normal" is built from the general population and often misses early dysfunction.
- 3
Pair with related markers
Order a complementary panel covering metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal context to interpret this marker properly.
- 4
Discuss interventions with a clinician
Use the interpretation guidance above to frame the conversation. Bring trends, not just one datapoint, to your visit.
- 5
Re-test on a defined cadence
If a change is implemented, re-measure in 8–12 weeks for fast-moving markers, or 3–6 months for slower ones, to confirm response before escalating.
Quick Actions
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Longevity Operator
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- Metabolic
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