The report makes no mention of any inclusion of genetics or epigenetics (environmentally-influenced gene expression) in this study.<p>It would be a shame if that were excluded as a factor worth investigating, as research I&#x27;ve seen elsewhere indicates that it is [1].<p>The notion that the gut microbiome is a major factor in metabolism and health is now widely known and accepted, but it just raises the next question: what is the cause of variance in the health of the microbiome?<p>A good diet and supplementation with good microbes (probiotics, ferments, etc) is part of it, but the body itself also needs to do its part to create an environment that is fertile and hospitable for beneficial microbes, and inhospitable for harmful ones.<p>This requires a well-functioning immune system, correct enzyme activity, oxygenation, pH, optimal function of all the organs, to name just some of the factors in the vastly complex system that is the mammalian body.<p>Genetics and epigenetics play a key role in this system, and you&#x27;d hope to see this being included as a part of a study like this.<p>[1] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.geneticliteracyproject.org&#x2F;2014&#x2F;09&#x2F;15&#x2F;how-epigenetics-our-gut-microbiome-and-the-environment-interact-to-change-our-lives&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.geneticliteracyproject.org&#x2F;2014&#x2F;09&#x2F;15&#x2F;how-epigen...</a>