Partnership between Lepivits Laboratory and Nahibu

Partnership between Lepivits Laboratory and Nahibu

by | Jan 16, 2026 | Nahibu

Dietary supplements to take care of your gut microbiota

About Lepivits

Lepivits Belgium is a family business based in Belgium, made up of experts in micronutrition and phytotherapy: pharmacists, chemists, biologists, and nutrition therapists, who work continuously with professionals specializing in nutritional medicine.

For over 30 years, it has been helping customers across Europe to take care of their bodies naturally. Depending on your goals and health profile, Lepivits offers nutritional therapy solutions in the form of dietary supplements and health treatments.

Lepivits dietary supplements

The Lepivits laboratory develops high-quality natural nutraceutical products that are environmentally friendly. Free from pesticides and preservatives, their plant-based treatments address all your needs, from fatigue to stress, memory and joint health, as well as dietary supplements for vegans, in the form of vegetable capsules.

Available in powder capsules or even in liquid form, Lepivits dietary supplements provide your body with nutrients in the form of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, probiotics, and lactic ferments.

Biotippin_30

Which dietary supplements are best for gut microbiota?

At Lepivits, you will find supplements targeted at the gut microbiota and tailored to your needs, as identified by Nahibu's stool analysis test.

    Probiotics for intestinal dysbiosis

    Composed of more than 1,000 bacteria, both pathogenic and non-pathogenic, the balance of your gut microbiota is essential for your body's good health. If the ratio of bad bacteria to good bacteria is too high, this is known as intestinal dysbiosis. To prevent this imbalance, scientists have demonstrated the effectiveness of probiotics, microorganisms that promote the proliferation of good bacteria.

    Probiotics are naturally present in lacto-fermented foods and can be used as dietary supplements, particularly lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. All bacterial strains are different and have their own specific effects. There is no such thing as a universal probiotic. 

    Based on the advice provided by Nahibu, Lepivits will be able to advise you on how to choose the right probiotics and treat the specific symptoms you are experiencing: reducing inflammation, relieving bloating, alleviating vomiting or diarrhea, avoiding lactose intolerance or gluten allergy, etc. In particular, his fiber, yeast, and lactic acid-based dietary supplements nourish beneficial bacteria and rebalance your microbiota.

    Biotippin, the dietary supplement for the microbiota

    Lepivits has developed Biotippin, an innovative formula based on ten strains of bioavailable lactic ferments and non-irritating prebiotics. This dietary supplement is particularly effective in maintaining the proper functioning of the microbiota and the immune system.

    To prevent them from being destroyed by stomach acid, the components of Biotippin are protected by DRCAPS gastro-resistant capsules.

    Discover even more dietary supplements on the Lepivits Laboratories website and improve your daily life with natural remedies. At Lepivits, experts in organic supplements and nutritional therapy, you will receive support for all your needs.

     

     

     

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    A balanced diet: the key to taking care of your microbiota

    A balanced diet: the key to taking care of your microbiota

    by | Jan 16, 2026 | Diet

    A balanced diet: the key to taking care of your gut microbiota

    As you know, health starts with nutrition. Successfully implementing a balanced diet over the long term is already a big step toward taking care of your microbiota and your overall health. By also getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, you create a virtuous cycle.

    How can you achieve a balanced diet?

    Ideally, you should consult a dietitian who can recommend a diet tailored to your needs. But we're going to share with you the basics of a balanced diet that you can start implementing right away.

    First, it is advisable to divide your food intake into three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and one or two snacks.

    Your breakfast can be savory or sweet and should include a whole grain product (oatmeal, whole wheat bread, muesli, etc.), fresh seasonal fruit, a serving of nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or their purée form), and possibly a dairy product or plant-based alternative (almond milk, soy yogurt, vegan cheese, etc.). 

    Ideally, your lunch and dinner plates should contain ¼ animal or plant protein (meat, fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh, seitan), ¼ whole grains (pasta, rice, millet, einkorn wheat, lentils, chickpeas, bread, etc.), ½ vegetables, and one serving of vegetable oil. Ideally, you should choose raw products that you can cook yourself, sourced from organic, seasonal, and local farms. 

    Snacks can be savory or sweet, depending on the rest of your meals: fresh fruit and nut butter, a small cheese and vegetable sandwich, or fruit compote and a square of dark chocolate with a handful of nuts.

     

    Balanced

    Make Me Healthy, the dietary rebalancing specialist

    Make Me Healthy specializes in nutritional rebalancing. Their team of passionate dietitians supports many patients in their journey. The goals may vary: weight loss/gain, weight stabilization, medical conditions, pregnancy… but the basis remains the same: taking care of their health. 

    Establishing a balanced diet means providing your body with everything it needs to function properly, while still enjoying what you eat so that you can maintain this new lifestyle in the long term. This is an extremely important point. It is a new lifestyle that you will establish with your dietitian, and the goal is to anchor your new habits in a routine that suits you, which means no restrictions. Forget about diets; Make Me Healthy is here to support you in rebalancing your diet.

    More specifically, while providing your body with high-quality foods (raw, organic, seasonal, and local), as you may already be doing, is excellent, it is important that the portions in each food category are tailored to your needs and that the macronutrient distribution is correct. The same applies to micronutrients: it is essential that they meet your needs. 

    To do this, you can consult a dietitian who will calculate your energy requirements based on your basal metabolic rate, age, gender, weight, height, physical activity, etc. At Make Me Healthy, our team of dietitians also takes into account your current diet, based on your food logs and a comprehensive dietary assessment, to offer you a tailored nutrition plan. They then ensure a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients and proceed with the appropriate portioning.

    Don't worry, for you this translates into a dietary program that tells you the quantities of different food categories to consume at each meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack(s)). And even better, you'll find more than 700 recipes on their app to make it even easier to follow your dietary program. All you have to do is follow the recipe using your measurements.

     

    Tailored dietary programs

    In addition to your dietary program, follow-up consultations allow your dietitian to adapt your dietary program based on how you feel, your progress toward your goal, and, of course, to answer any questions you may have during the follow-up. 

    From the very first week, their patients feel positive effects on their digestive system: reduced or even eliminated bloating, a flatter stomach, regulated bowel movements… One thing is certain, your microbiota will thank you. Once a balanced diet is in place, Make Me Healthy recommends a probiotic treatment, to be taken at least once a year, to restore your intestinal flora.

    Then, within a few weeks, you will see an improvement in the quality of your skin and hair, and above all, your energy levels will skyrocket! 

    Thanks to the partnership between Nahibu and Make Me Healthy, we are offering you exceptional discounts on consultation packages with our team of dietitians: 

    • 5 euro discount on the 3-consultation package with the code NAHIBU5
    • 10 euro discount on the 8-consultation package with the code NAHIBU10
    • 15 euro discount on the 12-consultation package with the code NAHIBU15

    The dietary consultations offered by Make Me Healthy may be covered by your health insurance or supplemental health insurance. Feel free to send them a quote to find out how much you can be reimbursed.

    Nutrition is the first step to taking care of yourself.😉

     

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    How Microbiota and Immunity Shape Your Health

    How Microbiota and Immunity Shape Your Health

    by | Jan 16, 2026 | Science

    Immunity Begins in Your Gut

    Did you know that nearly 70% of your immune system's cells are found in your gut?

    This figure alone illustrates the central link between the gut microbiota and the body's protection. A veritable ecosystem composed of billions of microorganisms, the microbiota not only aids digestion: it educates, modulates, and regulates immunity on a daily basis. When its balance is disrupted, a condition known as intestinal dysbiosis, the immune system can weaken or, conversely, become excessive and cause inflammation.
    Understanding the link between microbiota and immunity is therefore essential for maintaining overall health. This is precisely what Nahibu analysis does, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the most advanced technology for exploring this invisible ecosystem and providing you with a roadmap to better intestinal well-being.

    The gut: the command center of the immune system

    The main role of the intestine is to ensure the absorption of nutrients from food into the bloodstream. Due to this constant contact with the external environment, it requires increased protection. This is why the intestine is the organ with the highest concentration of immune cells and the most active antibody production, making it a key organ for immunity.
    It is lined with a specific immune tissue called GALT (Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue), which houses this high density of immune cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, etc.). The role of these cells is to continuously monitor what comes into contact with the body, whether nutrients, beneficial bacteria, or pathogens, and to respond appropriately.
    In this context, the microbiota plays a decisive role:

    • It teaches the immune system to tolerate harmless microorganisms.
    • It triggers appropriate responses against pathogens.

    This immune education begins at birth and continues throughout life.

    microbiota-immunity-nahibu

    The Intestinal Barrier: Highly Sophisticated Protection

    To maintain this state of vigilance and tolerance, the intestine operates a defense system at various interconnected levels:

    The Intestinal Epithelium (Selective Defense)

    Intestinal cells (enterocytes) are connected to each other by tight junctions, ensuring selective permeability: only beneficial nutrients pass through. A disruption of this barrier (often called intestinal hyperpermeability) can allow toxic molecules to pass through and promote chronic inflammation.

    The Mucosa and Mucus (Physical Defense)

    Intestinal mucus forms a physical barrier rich in IgA antibodies and antimicrobial peptides. A balanced microbiota directly contributes to the quality of this protective layer, preventing unwanted bacteria from reaching the intestinal wall.

    GALT (Immune Defense)

    GALT immune cells receive information from the intestinal lining (particularly the microbiota) and epithelial cells. This dialogue triggers an appropriate immune response in the event of a pathogen invasion.

    Commensal Microbiota (Biological Defense)

    The 1013 beneficial microorganisms that make up the intestinal microbiota protect the body in two ways:

    Barrier Effect:

    They occupy space and compete with pathogens, preventing them from establishing themselves.

    Production of Protective Substances:

    They secrete bacteriocins and modulate pH, creating an environment that is hostile to unwanted microbes.

    How the Microbiota Specifically Regulates Immunity

    The dialogue between bacteria and immune cells is biochemical and relies on metabolites produced by our flora.

    The Key Role of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs)

    Dietary fiber, which is not digested by our enzymes, is fermented by the microbiota. This process leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate, propionate, and acetate, which are essential for intestinal health.
    SCFAs are crucial because they:

    • Nourish colon cells, for which they are the main source of energy.
    • Modulate the activity of immune cells.
    • Strengthen the intestinal barrier.

    Butyrate, in particular, promotes the development of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are responsible for maintaining immune tolerance and controlling inflammation.

    Finding the Balance Between Tolerance and Defense

    A healthy microbiota maintains a delicate balance between:

    • Anti-inflammatory Responses (Tolerance): Essential for preventing excessive reactions to food or beneficial bacteria. They play a protective role against allergies and autoimmune diseases.
    • Controlled Pro-inflammatory Responses: Necessary for eliminating pathogens.

    This balance is fundamental to ensuring effective immunity without excess. A breakdown in this tolerance can lead to chronic inflammation, often linked to intestinal dysbiosis.

    Intestinal Dysbiosis: When Immunity Goes Haywire

    Intestinal dysbiosis is characterized by a loss of microbial diversity and an imbalance in favor of opportunistic species. This imbalance directly impacts the immune system by reducing the production of SCFA and altering the intestinal barrier.
    Dysbiosis is strongly associated with (Source: AP-HP Research Foundation; COPMED):

    Maintaining a diverse and balanced microbiota, particularly through a rich and varied diet, is therefore a major lever for supporting immunity and overall health.

    How

    Regulation is mainly based on metabolites produced by bacteria, such as Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). These molecules act as signals for immune cells, promoting in particular the production of Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) which maintain tolerance and control inflammation.

    What

    Shotgun metagenomic sequencing is the technique used to measure the functional potential of your microbiota. For immunity, this means that Nahibu can assess your flora's ability to produce AGCCs (anti-inflammatory molecules) and strengthen the intestinal barrier, crucial information that cannot be obtained using basic analysis methods.

    What

    Signs include increased vulnerability to infections, chronic inflammation, allergies, or food intolerances. Intestinal dysbiosis can compromise the intestinal barrier and disrupt the balance between immune responses (tolerance vs. defense), requiring targeted action.

    Nahibu: Understanding Your Immunity Through Metagenomic Sequencing

    To effectively improve your gut health and, consequently, your immunity, it is essential to identify the weaknesses in your microbiota.
    Nahibu uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, the most comprehensive technology for analyzing the gut microbiota.
    Unlike targeted analysis methods, shotgun technology allows:

    1. Identify bacteria down to the species level, providing the most comprehensive mapping possible.
    2. Analyze the biological functions that are actually present (production of SCFAs, vitamins, immunomodulatory metabolites).
    3. Assess the condition of your intestinal barrier and your inflammatory potential.

    Why is Nahibu's expertise the key to your intestinal well-being?

    • 🔬 High Scientific Accuracy: Reliable results to understand the functional state of your flora.
    • 🇫🇷 French Expertise: Quality guarantees and rigorous protocols.
    • 🎯 Personalized Recommendations: We offer you a roadmap for tailored nutrition (via the Shido platform and our network of qualified professionals) to take concrete action on the balance of your microbiota and your defenses.

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    Conclusion: Your Immunity Begins in Your Microbiota

    The science is clear: a balanced microbiota is a fundamental pillar of immunity. By taking care of your gut health, you are directly influencing your natural defenses and preventing inflammatory diseases.
    With Nahibu, you no longer have to guess: you understand the mechanisms that link your microbiota to your immune system. Thanks to our expertise in metagenomic sequencing, we give you the keys to move from theory to action.

     

    Sources: 

    • Biocodex Microbiota Institute – Role of the gut microbiota in immune regulation
    • Lescuyer Laboratory – Microbiota and immunity
    • COPMED – Gut Microbiota and the Immune System
    • AP-HP Research Foundation – Gut microbiota and research
    • Medicine/Science – Microbiota-immunity interactions

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    What to do (and avoid) before the gut microbiota test

    What to do (and avoid) before the gut microbiota test

    by | Jan 16, 2026 | Life style, Nahibu

    Preparing for a microbiome test: the essentials

    The gut microbiota is a fragile ecosystem: its composition is strongly influenced by our lifestyle and, more specifically, our diet.
    When undergoing a microbiota test, what you eat or take in the days leading up to your sample collection can have a significant impact on the results.

    It is therefore essential to prepare well in order to maximize the quality of the sample and make the analysis as representative as possible. In this article, find out what to do (and what to avoid) before taking your at-home microbiota test with the Nahibu gut microbiota analysis kit. With this guide, you will optimize the reliability of your gut assessment and ensure that the results reflect the true state of your microbiota.

    Why preparation matters

    Microbiome tests are essentially based on the analysis of a stool sample at a given moment in time: it is a snapshot of your gut flora.
    Certain foods, supplements, or medications can alter the composition of the microbiota in the short or long term, or directly interfere with the analysis. For example, probiotics, antibiotics, and laxatives can alter the results.
    Therefore, neglecting to prepare properly can affect the accuracy of the test and make the nutritional recommendations less relevant.

    What to avoid before the sample is taken

    Here are the main pitfalls to avoid in the days (or weeks) leading up to your test:

    Test-microbiote-nahibu

    Antibiotics, antifungals, antiparasitics

    The role of antibiotics, antifungals, and antiparasitics is to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms responsible for infections. However, by targeting these infectious agents, they inevitably impact the commensal flora.
    Taking antimicrobials is therefore a major bias in the analysis of the microbiota. It is therefore preferable to wait a certain amount of time after treatment before taking a sample. It takes about 2 to 3 months for the microbiota to return to complete balance. Nevertheless, to obtain results that are already representative, a period of 4 to 6 weeks after the end of treatment is recommended.

    Use of medications

    Many non-antimicrobial medications can also disrupt the microbiota. This is the case with certain anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antidiabetic drugs (metformin), laxatives, psychotropic drugs, etc.
    It is generally recommended to wait 2 to 3 weeks before taking a sample.
    For long-term treatments, do not stop your treatment without medical advice. Repeated enemas can also be
    aggressive for the microbiota. Again, a delay of at least 4 weeks may be necessary before performing the test.

    Probiotics and prebiotics

    Biotic substances (probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, and synbiotics) aim to support the balance of the microbiota by optimizing its ecosystem. Consuming them therefore has a natural effect on its composition.
    If you want to know the state of your microbiota without the recent influence of these biotic substances, it is recommended that you stop taking them 1 to 2 weeks before the sample is taken.
    However, if your goal is to evaluate their effects on the microbiota, you can continue to use them.
    Foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, etc.) can also alter the microbial composition, so it is best to avoid consuming them in the days leading up to the sample collection.

     

    Drastic dietary changes

    Avoid making drastic changes to your diet just before the test, such as a very cleansing diet or prolonged fasting. It is advisable to maintain your usual diet, even if it is specific (low FODMAP, ketogenic, etc.), for at least one week before the sample is taken.
    If you have recently moved, returned from a trip abroad, or changed your eating habits, this may disrupt your microbiota and make the sample less representative.

    microbiota-intestinal-probiotic

    What to do (good habits) before the test

    Maintain your usual habits (as far as possible)

    Keep up your eating habits and make sure you drink enough water: staying well hydrated promotes bowel movements and makes the sample collection easier.
    Continue taking your medication or supplements if necessary; never stop a regular treatment without medical advice.

    Track your symptoms and diet

    It may be helpful to note your diet, digestive symptoms, and activities for 1 to 2 weeks prior to the test. This information makes it easier to interpret the results and helps connect certain habits to your microbial profile.

    The quality of the sample directly affects the quality of the analysis. Proper preparation ensures an accurate picture of your microbiota, without bias related to diet, supplements, or recent treatments.

    Follow the test protocol

    Following the collection instructions is essential to ensure that the sample is compliant and, therefore, that the results are reliable.
    Carefully read the instructions provided in the kit: use of the tube, stool collector (feces catcher), packaging, shipping time, etc. Nahibu provides all the necessary materials and precise instructions in its gut microbiota test kit.
    Choose a quiet moment when you are relaxed to take the sample. A calm environment reduces the risk of error and contamination.
    Pack the sample correctly in the items provided (shuttle pouch, prepaid envelope, etc.) to ensure its safety and stability during shipping.
    The tube provided in the Nahibu kit contains a DNA stabilizer that allows the sample to be stored at room temperature until it is received by our laboratory. It is essential not to empty the tube.

    When should you postpone your test?

    Here are some situations in which it is best not to take the sample immediately, but to postpone it:

    • You have an acute intestinal infection, diarrhea, or severe digestive symptoms
    • You have just undergone medical treatment: wait long enough (e.g., 4–6 weeks for antibiotics) to allow your microbiota to recover.
    • You have had a colonoscopy
    • You have recently made significant changes to your diet (new diet, fasting, supplementation, etc.): it is best to return to your normal diet for a few days so that the sample is representative.
    • You have recently traveled, especially abroad, or undergone significant changes in your routine: your microbiota may be out of its usual routine.

    Specific features of the Nahibu kit

    The Nahibu gut microbiota analysis kit is designed for home sampling and includes a stool collector (feces catcher), a tube with DNA stabilizer, and a prepaid envelope for shipping.
    Nahibu uses shotgun metagenomic sequencing, which allows for a very detailed analysis of your microbiota. To ensure reliable results, it is essential that the sample is of good quality.
    If you are undergoing treatment or taking supplements, it may be useful to consult a professional or contact the Nahibu team to find out if any adjustments are necessary before the test. You can then enter this information in the online questionnaire.

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    FAQ

    Should I stop taking probiotics before my test?

    Yes, usually 1 to 2 weeks before taking the test, but it depends on the protocol. Some laboratories require you to stop, while others tolerate regular intake if it is part of your routine.

    How long should you wait after taking antibiotics before taking the test?

    It is generally recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks after your last antibiotic, to give your microbiota time to recover.

    Can I take the test if I travel or change my diet often?

    It is best to postpone the test if you have recently changed your eating habits, returned from a trip, or if your routine has changed significantly: these disruptions can make the sample less representative.

    How can I ensure that my sample is not contaminated?

    Use the items provided in the kit, follow the instructions carefully (do not let the tube touch the toilet water, pack the sample securely), and return it quickly according to the instructions.

    Can my usual medications affect the test results?

    Certain medications (anti-inflammatories, laxatives, etc.) can affect the microbiota or the sample. Check the instructions in the kit and, if necessary, ask a professional or the Nahibu team for advice.

    Conclusion:

    Proper preparation is essential for obtaining a reliable and useful microbiota analysis. By avoiding interferences such as antibiotics, probiotics, or drastic dietary changes, and by following the kit's protocol (collection, packaging, shipping), you can ensure the quality of your sample.
    With the Nahibu gut microbiota test, which includes a home collection kit and analysis based on shotgun metagenomic sequencing technology, you get an accurate and comprehensive analysis. 📊
    Take action now: carefully prepare your sample, send it in, and then use your report to better understand your microbiota and benefit from Nahibu's personalized nutritional recommendations.

    Sources and references used: 

    This article is based on recommendations from several laboratories specializing in gut microbiota analysis and best practices for sampling:

    • Vibrant Wellness – Gut Zoomer test preparation instructions
    • MyMicroZoo – Recommendations before a microbiome test
    • HealthPath – Sample collection guide for gut tests
    • Amanda Nutrition – Tips for the Complete Microbiome Stool Test
    • The Health Feed – General information on at-home microbiota testing
    • Lepivits – Overview of the Nahibu kit, including collector and DNA stabilization
    • Nahibu – Documentation on shotgun metagenomic sequencing and the kit protocol

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