FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Vidality gut microbiome testing and Precision Prebiotics.
General Questions
Vidality is suitable for adults aged 18+.
Once you’ve ordered your at-home sampling kit online, you will:
- Create a Vidality account
- Receive your sampling kit
- Collect your sample
- Complete the Day of Sampling questionnaire
- Return your sample to our lab in the prepaid envelope included in your kit
- Await analysis of your gut microbiome test
- Receive your results in the Vidality online portal
- Receive your personalised Precision Prebiotic Supplement
- Request follow up tests and re-blends on demand
The Sampling Kit
Turns out your stool can tell a lot about the state of your health. Your stool can be a reflection of your diet, fluid intake, medication use, or lifestyle. Your stool type is also related to your microbiome.
Open the tube by twisting and pulling, ensuring that the swab doesn’t come into contact with any other surfaces as this can interfere with the sample. Then, after a bowel movement, lightly touch the round end of the swab to the soiled toilet paper to collect a small smear.
It’s important not to overload or underload your sample. You’ll receive images to reflect the correct amount with your gut microbiome sampling kit.
Once you’ve collected your sample, place the swab in the tube and click to close.
Once you’ve taken your sample, place the closed tube in the reply paid envelope included in your sampling kit and seal. Then return to our testing lab by posting in any Express Australia Post box.
It’s best to collect your sample at a time when you have maintained regular daily and dietary habits for at least two weeks. It is also important to try and collect a sample from a bowel movement that is considered typical for you (i.e. some people experience a bowel movement first thing in the morning every day – this is considered a typical bowel movement).
If you think you’ve touched your test swab while collecting your sample, please do not return the sample back to our lab until you have contacted us at [email protected] to confirm whether the sample is suitable or a replacement sampling kit is required.
We provide a replacement sampling kit to the limit of one.
No. There is no need to fast before collecting your sample. The aim of our gut microbiome test is to learn what your “normal” gut microbiome looks like. It’s best to collect your sample when you’re maintaining regular daily habits and diet for at least two weeks before sampling.
Based on the existing literature, we suggest waiting at least one month after short-term antibiotic use before testing.
Current research shows that the effects of taking broad-spectrum antibiotics for between 5-10 days can exist in a person’s gut microbiome for a year or longer. The gut microbiome does begin to recover soon after antibiotics are stopped, with studies observing the majority of gut microbiota returning to pre-treatment levels after 1-2 months.
Yes. Vidality is a non-invasive method of testing your gut microbiome that can be completed in the privacy of your home whenever suits you.
Certain medications, such as antibiotics, immunotherapy, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, cholesterol lowering drugs, acid reflux and indigestion treatment, and the diabetes medication ‘metformin’ can alter your gut microbiome, however this doesn’t mean you should avoid gut microbiome testing. Consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication.
Vidality Plans include both the gut microbiome test and Precision Prebiotics. These cannot be purchased separately.
The Gut Microbiome Test
After our scientists have analysed your sample, your report will be available for viewing in the Vidality online portal, and you’ll receive notification that it’s ready.
If you experience any issues in accessing your report, please contact us via the Vidality online portal.
Your personalised report is generated to show you the members of your microbial community, what your microbial community is capable of, and how your microbial community compares to others.
The results of your gut microbiome test are interpreted into easy-to-understand information by our team of experts. However, if you require assistance in gaining a deeper understanding of your report, you can contact us via the Vidality online portal.
The Supplement
Our pharmacists formulate your Precision Prebiotics using dietary ingredients supported by high levels of scientific evidence, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), diindolylmethane (DIM), pomegranate Extract, glucomannan, b-glucans, ellagic acid, and arabinoxylan.
Our pharmacists increase or decrease the level of each ingredient based on the measurements of specific markers in your sample. For each of the markers our pharmacists analyse, they proportionally scale the amount of the relevant ingredient in your blend
- Use the measuring scoop provided
- Add the powder to a liquid of your choice (water, juice, smoothie)
- Mix well in a shaker or blender
- Enjoy!
For the first 7 days, start with a lower dose than indicated on the label, so that your gut microbes have time to adjust.
- Day 1-7: 1 scoop
- Day 8-14: 2 scoops
- Day 15-21: 3 scoops
- Day 22-28: 4 scoops
The most common side effects of taking supplements that interact with the gut microbiome are gastrointestinal complaints like bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea or constipation. These side effects are normally only experienced short-term as the gut adjusts to the changes that are taking place. This is why we recommend slowly increasing your dose over the course of a week.
We provide a replacement sampling kit to the limit of one.
Not all of our dietary interventions are gluten-free. As part of the Vidality Day of Sampling questionnaire, we ask about your dietary requirements. If you’re unable to consume gluten for any reason, our pharmacists will not include ingredients containing gluten in your Precision Prebiotics.
Yes, the ingredients used in our Precision Prebiotics are dairy free.
No. Vidality Plans include both the gut microbiome test and Precision Prebiotics. Without the results generated through our gut microbiome testing, our pharmacists won’t have the information they need to formulate a personalised blend of Precision Prebiotics for you.
Prebiotic supplements can help address gut health concerns, especially where there are imbalances in your gut microbiome. However, we recommend speaking to your GP before joining Vidality if you have symptoms of, or have been diagnosed with:
- Small Intestinal Bacterial
- Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) (e.g. IBS, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis etc.)
- Bowel Cancer
- FODMAPs intolerance or sensitivity; or
- Other gastrointestinal conditions
Shipping and Billing
Vidalty is currently available exclusively to people living in Australia.
We cover the cost of postage for your at-home sampling kit and monthly Precision Prebiotic Supplement. We also provide a prepaid envelope for when you return your sample to our lab.
Once you have ordered your Vidality plan, your at-home sampling kit will be dispatched as soon as possible. Kits are shipped by Australia Post Express Post, with delivery taking approximately 2-4 business days. You will receive a notification in the Vidality online portal once your kit has been sent.
No. As part of your Vidality Plan, we cover the monthly postage costs associated with sending your Precision Prebiotics.
No. We include a prepaid envelope as a part of your at-home sampling kit. Once you’ve collected your sample, simply place the closed swab into the prepaid envelope and post it in an Express Australia Post box.
Yes. Once your sample has been received by the lab, we’ll update you with a notification in the Vidality online portal.
