It Starts With The Box

ZOE is dedicated to enhancing the health of millions. With over 200,000 membership kits already sent out, we are well on our way to achieving our mission.

So, what exactly is included in these scientific kits, and how do they contribute to improving your health? Below, we will outline the tests we conduct, our methodology, and the valuable insights each test provides about your biology and how you can make more informed food choices.

Based on the results of these tests, we evaluate your responses. These scores inform our personalized advice to assist you in making smarter dietary decisions tailored to your body.

1. Analyze your gut microbiome

The importance of a healthy gut microbiome in overall well-being is becoming increasingly evident. As awareness of its significance grows, there has been a surge in companies offering gut microbiome tests.

ZOE offers one of the most scientifically advanced at-home gut health tests globally and possesses one of the largest microbiome databases worldwide. This enables us to provide exclusive insights and recommendations unmatched by any other service.

While most companies offering gut microbiome tests utilize a technology called 16s, ZOE employs "shotgun metagenomic sequencing." Unlike 16s, this technique enables us to examine every gene in every microbe present in the sample.

MetaPhlAn provides insights into genetic data about bacteria that have not been previously observed. This technology has facilitated the discovery of numerous new gut bacteria and allows us to comprehend how microbes are linked to specific health outcomes.

Simply collect a stool sample using our flushable paper sampling sheet and send it to our lab for analysis.

Upon analyzing your stool sample, we provide a score for your gut microbiome. Additionally, we furnish a report listing your "beneficial" and "harmful" gut bacteria, along with recommendations for foods that can promote the growth of deficient "beneficial" species.

For further details on our gut microbiome test, refer to this article by ZOE's Scientific Co-Founder Prof. Tim Spector.

2. Monitor your blood sugar with a CGM

Post-meal consumption, your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which then travels from your gut to your liver before entering your bloodstream.

Glucose serves as a vital energy source as it circulates throughout your body. However, excessive or prolonged elevation of blood glucose levels can strain your hormone system's ability to maintain healthy sugar levels.

The CGM plays a crucial role in this scenario. This innovative device is attached to your upper arm and measures glucose levels in the fluid surrounding your cells, providing an indirect gauge of blood glucose levels.

Wear the CGM for a two-week period, during which it transmits your blood sugar readings to ZOE's analysts. Throughout this testing phase, the CGM records your body's sugar processing following the consumption of our standardized test cookies, specifically formulated for clinical testing purposes.

For example, on one day, you may try oatmeal with jam, while on another day, oatmeal with berries and nuts to observe the disparity in blood sugar responses.

Expect a diminished blood sugar response on the second day due to the higher fiber content in the berries and the protein and fats in the nuts.

As part of the membership testing phase, we supply specially formulated breakfast cookies containing precise sugar and fat quantities. This allows us to compare your blood sugar response with that of numerous other individuals who have consumed the same cookie.

3. Evaluate your blood fat

Similar to blood sugar, your body necessitates fat in the blood for energy provision and various vital functions such as cell membrane construction.

However, prolonged elevation of blood fat levels is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. ZOE's investigations have revealed significant variations in how individuals process blood fat.

Instead of real-time blood fat monitoring (currently unfeasible), members are instructed to consume another of our specially prepared blue lunch cookies, containing a precise fat amount (the reason for their blue coloring will be explained shortly).

Four hours later, you perform a blood test using a device called Tasso. This device, located on your arm, collects a small blood sample from your capillaries with a simple button press.

Upon returning the sample, the results reveal your body's fat clearance rate, and your outcomes are compared with those of numerous others to generate a score.

Why are the lunch cookies blue?

Although consuming blue cookies may sound unconventional, there is a scientific rationale behind this practice.

Gut transit time denotes the duration for food to travel from the mouth to the toilet. The blue dye in the cookie facilitates tracking of this journey's duration.

In a study published by ZOE in BMJ, it was demonstrated that a shorter gut transit time, measured by consuming blue muffins, is linked to improved gut health and may be a superior indicator of gut health compared to the conventional Bristol stool chart.

What follows the at-home tests?

Upon receiving your results, the scientific journey continues via the ZOE App. By logging the foods you consume in the app, you gain insights into how your unique metabolism responds to various foods, recipes, and meals.

Every meal or snack is individually evaluated, resulting in a daily score that aids in gradually enhancing your health, one meal at a time.

Over time, you will observe a weekly score and an overall score, enabling you to track your progress effectively. The ZOE App also features a plethora of delectable, high-scoring recipes and their compatibility with your unique metabolism.

Our programs encompass a broad spectrum of topics ranging from constructing a balanced plate to harnessing the power of the gut microbiome. Furthermore, you will receive specialized newsletters containing content crafted by our experts.

Additionally, we provide a personalized week-by-week plan to facilitate informed food choices daily. Gradually, these minor dietary adjustments will evolve into habits that significantly enhance your long-term well-being.

Subsequently, you may opt for a gut retest to gauge how your revised diet has influenced your gut microbiome positively.

Is it effective?

Being a science-centric entity, we subjected ZOE Membership to a randomized controlled trial (RCT) dubbed METHOD.

We compared the ZOE personalized nutrition program against adherence to generic government-issued dietary guidelines in 347 healthy individuals in the United States.

Here's a brief overview of our findings. Participants who adhered to ZOE experienced:

• A reduction in triglycerides, a type of blood fat linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

• An enhancement in their gut microbiome scores with increased "beneficial" gut bacteria.

• A decrease in waist circumference, a risk factor for metabolic ailments.

• Weight loss progress towards a healthier weight.

ZOE participants also reported feeling better. They were twice as likely to note improved mood, reduced hunger, four times more likely to report enhanced sleep quality, and heightened energy levels.

For a comprehensive insight into this intriguing study, delve into this article elucidating the results in greater detail.

Overview

Upon joining ZOE, you gain access to three at-home tests that offer valuable insights into your metabolism and gut microbiome health.

Following the receipt of your results, we offer guidance on dietary choices, aiding you in eating to support your long-term health objectives.

With meal scores, educational lessons, and scrumptious recipes, we steer you towards a healthier lifestyle. To learn more, kickstart your journey by taking our complimentary quiz today.