By Next Biosciences

1 November 2026

Genes or gut? How to choose between 3X4 Genetics and Viome Gut Microbiome

3X4 Genetics looks at your genes, which don't change, so you only need it once. It shows how you're built to respond to food, exercise and lifestyle. Your gut microbiome is the community of trillions of bacteria and other microbes living in your gut. The Viome Gut Microbiome test looks at what those microbes are actively doing at the moment, which changes with your diet and habits, so you can repeat it. Choose 3X4 for your long-term blueprint, Viome for a picture of today, or both for the full story.

If you've been thinking about personalised health, the choice can be confusing. Both tests lead to food and lifestyle advice matched to you. But they look at very different things, and they answer different questions.

What does 3X4 Genetics look at?

3X4 Genetics is a genetic wellness screening. It looks at genes that may influence how your body handles nutrition, fitness, metabolism, stress and sleep. Your genes stay the same for life, so it's a once-off test.

It's useful for questions like:

  • Am I likely to do better on more or less fat or carbs?

  •  How might my body handle caffeine?

  • What type of exercise may suit me best?

  • Which vitamins might I need more of, based on how my body processes them?

What does Viome look at?

Viome looks at your gut microbiome, the trillions of microbes living in your gut. It uses RNA sequencing to see what those microbes are actively doing, not only which ones are there.

Your gut changes with what you eat, how you sleep, and how stressed you are. That means Viome shows how your body is working now, and you can test again later to track changes.

It's useful for questions like:

  • Which foods suit my gut at the moment?

  •  Why do I get bloated or tired after certain meals?

  •  Is what I'm eating supporting my gut?

  • How balanced and healthy is my gut, and how can I improve it?

3X4 Genetics or Viome: what's the difference?

  3X4 Genetics Viome
What it looks at Your genes Your gut microbiome
What it shows How you're built to respond What's happening in your gut now
Changes over time? No Yes
How often to test Once Every 6 to 12 months to track progress
Best for A long-term blueprint for food, exercise, and lifestyle Day-to-day food choices and gut health

Which test should I do first?

It depends on your goal.

  • Start with 3X4 Genetics if you want a lifelong reference for how to eat, train and manage stress.

  • Start with Viome if you have gut symptoms such as bloating or want food advice based on how your gut is currently working.

  • Do both if you want to see how your genes and your current gut health fit together. Your genes show your tendencies. Your gut shows how your lifestyle is affecting you today.

Is this the same as a medical diagnosis?

No. Neither test diagnoses disease. They're preventative tools that help you and your healthcare provider make more informed choices about food and lifestyle. If you have ongoing symptoms, see your doctor.

Can I get 3X4 Genetics and Viome in South Africa?

Yes. Next Biosciences offers both through its Longevity Health range, along with PharmaGene, a pharmacogenomic test that shows how your genes may affect your response to medicine.

Black November: save on 3X4 Genetics and Viome until 30 November with code BF26.

Get 3X4 Genetics from Next Biosciences or get Viome from Next Biosciences, or get both.

Want both tests? The website lets you order them one at a time, so email us at info@nextbio.co.za, and we'll help you order them together.

 

FAQ

  1. What's the difference between 3X4 Genetics and Viome? 3X4 Genetics looks at your genes, which don't change. Viome looks at your gut microbes, which change with your lifestyle.

  2. Do I need to repeat 3X4 Genetics? No. Your genes stay the same, so one screening lasts a lifetime.

  3. How often should I repeat Viome? Your gut changes over time, so you can repeat it about every 6 to 12 months to see how changes to your diet and lifestyle are working.

  4. Can I do both tests? Yes. Together they show both your long-term tendencies and how your body is working today.

 

Sources

•      Diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the human gut microbiome, David et al., Nature, 2014

•      Genomics and personalized nutrition, Rudkowska, Nutrients, 2021

•      Metatranscriptomics for understanding the microbiome in food and nutrition science, Butowski et al., Metabolites, 2025

Learn more: Longevity Health testing at Next Biosciences

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