Your gut microbiota: a unique biological signature

One Microbiota, One Identity

Every person has a unique gut microbiota, shaped by their history, environment and diet. Thanks to technological advances, in particular shotgun metagenomic sequencing, it is now possible to analyse this diversity with great precision. This article explains why the microbiota is unique, what enterotypes are, and how the Nahibu analysis can contribute to a more personalised approach to health.

Introduction: your story is written in your gut

We all have different genetics, our own lifestyle habits and a deeply personal relationship with food. What we eat, how we sleep, our stress levels and our environment all influence our physiology.
Yet for decades, nutrition and digestive health relied on general recommendations, as if a single “standard” piece of advice could suit everyone.
The science of the gut microbiota has profoundly changed this view. It shows that our microbial ecosystem is as unique as our fingerprints, to the point that even genetically identical twins have different microbiotas.
This highlights an essential point: our physiology depends not only on our genes, but also on the constant interactions between our body and the micro-organisms that inhabit it. At Nahibu, this singularity is not a detail, it is the foundation of our analysis.

A signature shaped from birth

Your microbial identity begins to form in the very first moments of life. The initial composition of the microbiota is influenced in particular by:

• The mode of birth (vaginal delivery or caesarean section)
• Breastfeeding: breast milk provides specific sugars (HMOs) that promote the growth of good bacteria. These are barely present in cow’s or goat’s milk
• The early environment: contact with nature and animals, as well as early exposure to medication (antibiotics). Although the microbiota remains adaptable throughout life, these factors can have lasting effects.

Microbial resilience: your ability to bounce back

Resilience refers to the microbiota’s ability to return to balance after a disruption (intense stress, infection, sudden dietary change). A diverse microbiota is generally more resilient.
Understanding its composition makes it possible to act in a more targeted way to support this natural capacity for adaptation, which is essential for long-term health.

The concept of enterotype: your main microbial family

Although every microbiota is unique, scientific research has identified major dominant profiles called enterotypes. These enterotypes correspond to common bacterial configurations and are classified according to the bacterial genus that dominates the microbiota: Bacteroides, Prevotella or Ruminococcus. They can be compared to a main microbial “family”, a little like a blood group… but for your gut.
Completely independent of age, sex or nationality, the enterotype is thought to be influenced more by long-term dietary habits and lifestyle.

The three main enterotypes

Bacteroides enterotype:

Often associated with a Western diet, richer in fats and animal proteins. This profile is generally efficient at extracting energy from fats, but can become more sensitive to inflammation when dietary diversity is low.

Prevotella enterotype:

Common in people who eat plenty of fibre, pulses and complex carbohydrates. This is the typical profile of plant-rich diets, promoting excellent production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are essential for gut and immune health.

Ruminococcus enterotype:

An intermediate profile, less widespread than the other two, it is also linked to a diet rich in carbohydrates and plant fibre. This profile is involved in the breakdown of mucins (which make up intestinal mucus) that play a key role in maintaining the gut barrier.

💡 Key takeaway
The enterotype is a reference point, not a permanent label. Two people belonging to the same enterotype can have microbiotas that differ greatly in detail.

The gut-brain axis: your microbiota influences your personality

The microbiota interacts with the nervous system through several mechanisms: production of neurotransmitters, activation of the vagus nerve, and modulation of the inflammatory system. In fact, a large part of serotonin, a major neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut, and certain bacterial strains, sometimes called psychobiotics, are being studied for their potential role in mood, stress or sleep. This gut-brain link also explains why we do not all react the same way to stress, anxiety or emotions.
By identifying the presence or absence of certain bacteria in your sample, Nahibu helps you better understand the subtle link between your gut health and your emotional balance.

Action: 3 tips to preserve your gut identity

Taking care of your microbiota does not necessarily mean following extreme diets; above all, it rests on simple, sustainable habits.

Diversify plant sources: the 30-plant challenge

Studies show that people who eat more than 30 different plants per week have a noticeably more diverse microbiota. Fruit, vegetables, pulses, grains, spices, herbs and nuts all count!

Favour “whole” and fermented foods

Ultra-processed foods contain additives that can weaken the intestinal mucus. Conversely, the fibre in whole foods and the natural probiotics in fermented foods (kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha) actively support the gut flora.

Use antibiotics wisely

Antibiotics are sometimes essential, but their effects on the microbiota are significant. When treatment is necessary, suitable nutritional support and biotic supplementation help restore balance more quickly.

Why choose Nahibu for your well-being?

16S vs shotgun: why the technology is decisive

Not all microbiota tests provide the same level of information.
Many tests on the market rely on 16S technology. It identifies the major bacterial families, but remains limited in resolution and provides little functional information.
At Nahibu, we have chosen to use shotgun metagenomic sequencing, which analyses all the microbial DNA present in the sample. This approach is now considered the most complete from a scientific standpoint.
It not only identifies the bacteria present, but also analyses their genes and functions, in particular:

• their ability to synthesise certain vitamins (B9, B12, K, etc.),
• their capacity to break down complex fibres,
• their involvement in sugar and lipid metabolism,
• their interactions with the immune and nervous systems.

This approach goes beyond a simple inventory and provides a better understanding of how the gut ecosystem works overall.
Nahibu therefore offers a detailed microbiota analysis based on shotgun sequencing, with the aim of:

• better understanding individual responses to food,
• identifying areas for nutritional improvement,
• tracking how the microbiota changes over time.

Conclusion: your microbiota is your signature

Your microbiota is a personal ecosystem, shaped by your life journey. It reflects your history, your choices and your environment. It is constantly evolving and reflects biological interactions unique to each person.
Understanding your microbiota is not about looking for a universal solution, but about relying on concrete information to adjust your habits and learn to live with it.
At Nahibu, microbiota analysis aims to make this sometimes complex biological diversity more readable, in order to foster a more informed and relaxed relationship with your microbiota.

Take care of your microbiota with Nahibu.