Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme that breaks the tight bond between glucuronic acid and toxins in the intestines. The liver and intestine bind toxins, steroid hormones and some dietary components to glucuronic acid. That is a protective process that limits absorption and enterohepatic reabsorption of toxins, and enhances excretion. A high level of activity of Beta-glucuronidase in the gut is not desirable. A low level of Beta-glucuronidase activity is not known to be of any direct clinical consequence.

The marker "β-glucuronidase producing bacteria" is a significant indicator of the bacterial enzyme activity within the gut microbiome. β-glucuronidase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of complex carbohydrates and the processing of various substances within the intestines. This enzyme helps to break down glucuronides, which are compounds that the body uses to detoxify and eliminate waste, including hormones, toxins, and pharmaceuticals, by attaching glucuronic acid to them, making them more water-soluble and easier to excrete through the bile or urine.

The presence and level of β-glucuronidase producing bacteria in your gut can provide valuable insights into your intestinal health and function. Elevated levels of this enzyme can lead to the reactivation of potentially harmful substances that were meant to be excreted, contributing to various health issues, including hormone imbalance, increased risk of certain cancers, and impaired detoxification processes. Conversely, too low levels may indicate a compromised ability to break down and eliminate waste properly. Understanding the balance and activity of β-glucuronidase producing bacteria through the Gut Zoomer panel allows healthcare providers to tailor specific dietary, lifestyle, and possibly supplementation interventions aimed at optimizing gut health, supporting detoxification processes, and ultimately contributing to overall well-being.

ß-Hydroxybutyrate is a metabolic marker of blood sugar utilization and insulin function.

b-hydroxybutyrate is one of the ketone bodies. 

The term ketone body describes any of 3 molecules: acetoacetate, b-hydroxybutyrate, or acetone. Acetoacetate is produced by acetyl-CoA metabolism, b-hydroxybutyrate is the result of acetoacetate reduction, and acetone is produced by the spontaneous decarboxylation of acetoacetate.

Ketone bodies are fundamental for metabolic homeostasis during periods of prolonged starvation. The brain cannot use fatty acids for energy production and usually depends on glucose to meet its metabolic needs. In cases of fasting or starvation, ketone bodies become a major fuel for brain cells, sparing amino acids from being catabolized to gluconeogenesis precursors to be used to supply the brain with energy. After prolonged  starvation, ketone bodies can provide as much as two thirds of the brain's energy needs.

Ketone bodies are strong organic acids that fully dissociate in blood. When ketone body production becomes uncontrollable, the buffering systems are saturated, and blood pH drops; this is a condition known as ketoacidosis.

The two common clinical scenarios for ketoacidosis are diabetic ketoacidosis and alcoholic ketoacidosis.

Elevated b-hydroxyisovalerate is found as a result of biotin insufficiency. This issue often presents in patients as skin problems as well as hair loss. Look for this DUTCH test marker to assess biotin status and determine if intervention is required. Adequate biotin supply will yield a lower level of b-hydroxyisovalerate.

Elevated b-hydroxyisovalerate is found as a result of biotin insufficiency. This issue often presents in patients as skin problems as well as hair loss. Adequate biotin supply will yield a lower level of b-hydroxyisovalerate.

Until recently, biotin deficiency was very difficult to determine in humans because this vitamin deficiency affects health in ways that mimic many other conditions. Doctors were likely to overlook biotin deficiency until this test was discovered. Beta(ß)-hydroxyisovalerate is a specific and sensitive metabolic marker for functional biotin deficiency. As your biotin intake decreases, your ß-hydroxyisovalerate excretion increases.

b-Hydroxyisovalerate is made when the body is deficient in biotin. This marker has an inverse relationship with biotin, therefore elevated levels represent deficiencies in biotin. Biotin is an important cofactor in mitochondrial function, metabolism of fatty acids, glucose, and protein, as well as ROS production. Reactive oxygen species (= ROS) are generated during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism as well as in cellular response to xenobiotics, cytokines, and bacterial invasion. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance due to excess ROS or oxidants over the capability of the cell to mount an effective antioxidant response.

Biotin deficiency has similar symptoms as other B-vitamin deficiencies but is most often associated with hair loss. Factors that influence biotin levels include inadequate dietary intake, long-term and high-dose B5 supplementation, dysbiosis/gut health, antibiotic use, medications, and biotinidase deficiency.

b-­Hydroxyisovaleric Acid [aka 3-Hydroxyisovaleric Acid (3-HIA)] is formed from the metabolism of the branched-chain amino acid leucine. Methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase catalyzes an essential step in this pathway and is biotin dependent. Reduced activity of this enzyme leads to an alternate pathway of metabolism resulting in 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid.

b-Hydroxypropionate (aka 3-Hydroxypropionic Acid, 3-HPA) is a major urinary metabolite of propionic acid. Propionic acid is derived from dietary branched-chain amino acids, oddchain fatty acids, and can be produced in the gut by bacterial fermentation of fiber. The biotin-dependent enzyme propionyl CoA carboxylase is responsible for metabolizing propionic acid to methylmalonyl CoA, which is subsequently isomerized to succinyl CoA. Decreased activity of this enzyme shunts propionyl CoA into alternative pathways which form 3-HPA.

β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaric acid (HMG) is a precursor to cholesterol and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) synthesis. It is a product of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCoA). HMGCoA- reductase is a rate limiting enzyme in cholesterol production. Medications that interfere with this enzyme may result in elevated HMG and subsequent low levels of cholesterol and CoQ10. CoQ10 is important for cellular energy production in the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Hydroxymethylglutarate (HMG) is the precursor to Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) production, and when it is elevated it may indicate that the body is trying to increase its production of CoQ10.

Hydroxymethylglutarate (HMG) is the precursor to Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) production, and when it is elevated it may indicate that the body is trying to increase its production of CoQ10.

β-hydroxybutyrate is a ketone body. During periods of fasting, exercise, and metabolic disease, ketone bodies are generated in the liver and become an energy source instead of glucose.

β-hydroxybutyrate is a ketone body. During periods of fasting, exercise, and metabolic disease, ketone bodies are generated in the liver and become an energy source instead of glucose.

b-Pregnanediol is a metabolite of the molecule of progesterone, which is important for fertility and for menstruation. Pregnanediol levels increase after ovulation and when the placenta releases the hormone. Low progesterone symptoms include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood instability, low sex drive, sleep problems, brain fog, hair loss, loss of muscle mass and strength, weight gain and anxiety.

Pregnanediol is a metabolite of the molecule of progesterone, which is important for fertility and for menstruation. Pregnanediol levels increase after ovulation and when the placenta releases the hormone.

Progesterone itself is not readily found in the urine. Instead, this test measures pregnanediol (a progesterone metabolite). Pregnanediol is well-established in research literature as a reliable marker for progesterone levels.

Pregnanediol is a metabolite of the molecule of progesterone, which is important for fertility and for menstruation. Pregnanediol levels increase after ovulation and when the placenta releases the hormone.

Pregnanediol is a metabolite of the molecule of progesterone, which is important for fertility and for menstruation. Pregnanediol levels increase after ovulation and when the placenta releases the hormone.

This ratio is helpful when both E2 and Pg are within range, yet the patient continues to have symptoms. It is not expected to be normal or used clinically when either E2 and/or Pg are outside of their expected ranges or if the patient does not have clinical symptoms.