The science behind AMILI
A person’s microbiome is the entire collection of microbes – bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi – living in and on the body. The gut microbiome refers to large diversity of microbes that line our intestines. It is often referred to as the ‘forgotton organ’ and can weigh up to 2kg (even heavier than your brain!). The gut microbiome plays a vital role in digestion and overall health and wellness.
IMPORTANCE OF THE GUT MICROBIOME
The gut microbiome and our bodies share a symbiotic and mutualistic relationship with one another. We are reliant on each other and we mutually benefit each other. The gut microbiome helps to digest starches that are indigestible by our gut, and in doing so, produces short-chain fatty acids that are crucial for strengthening the intestinal lining. The gut microbiome also communicates with the brain via the ‘brain-gut axis’ and produces neurotransmitters that affect our moods, feelings and brain function.
An imbalance in our gut microbiome (or the proportions of bacterial levels) can lead to the increased absorption of amino acids, fatty acids or even toxins that trigger inflammations in the gut, and may even lead to chronic conditions if left untreated.
Your gut microbiome is dynamic
Changes in the microbiome can be tracked as early as 30 days after a sustained change in lifestyle and diet. Your gut microbiome responds to the food you eat because just as much as your food fuels you, your food fuels your gut microbes.
BACKED BY SCIENCE
Our partner, AMILI (Asian Microbiome Library) is the first microbiome company to use a unique Southeast Asian microbiome database and combines the knowledge of dieticians, scientists and doctors to create a distinctly Asian gut health program.
16s rRNA sequencing
In 16s rRNA sequencing, a targeted region (V3-V4) of the RNA in the small subunit of the bacterial ribosome is being sequenced. We also do our own in-house whole genome shotgun sequencing, which is the sequencing of microbe DNA – apart from bacteria, this includes viruses, fungi and other microbes.
Bioinformatics for gut microbiome profiling
This involves the comparison of sequences with existing libraries of known sequences to identify known species of microbes. The pathways that bacteria take to produce certain chemicals and metabolites that interact with our body to affect our health are also identified through our bioinformatics pipelines.
Distinguished Medical Advisors
DR JEREMY LIM
CEOAssociate Professor Jeremy Lim is the founder of AMILI (Asian Microbiome Library), the first gut microbiome bank in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
AMILI’s mission is to advance human health through microbiome science and we work with clinicians, researchers and patient groups to make microbiome accessible for patient care and research. Prior to AMILI, Jeremy founded global consultancy Oliver Wyman’s Asia healthcare consulting practice in 2012. He has held senior executive roles in both the public and private sectors in Asian healthcare including director of research in Singapore’s largest healthcare system and Singapore CEO of a Pan-Asian private healthcare group. He continues to serve in the National University of Singapore as co-director of the global health program in the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health.
DR. DAVID ONG
A/Prof Ong is a co-founder of AMILIHe is also currently a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. Prior to his private practice, he was the Head of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the National University Hospital (NUH).
A/Prof Ong founded the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) unit at NUH. He has given talks, interviews, and keynote addresses both locally and internationally on topics relating to gastroenterology. In addition to IBD, he also has a special interest in the gut microbiome, and performed the first Faecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) in Singapore.
DR SAISHREYAS SUNDARAJOO
Clinical AffairsDr Saishreyas Sundarajoo is a medical doctor with prior experience in healthtech and consulting.
BIBI CHIA
Chief Dietitian ConsultantBibi Chia is the Principal Dietitian at Raffles Medical Group, with vast experience in the public health, healthcare, and food industries. She is particularly interested in the prevention of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, and has a strong social media presence building awareness of the importance of nutrition to overall health.
Please be reminded that AMILI is not a diagnostic evaluation. It is an informational wellness and lifestyle test. You should always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding diagnosis, cure, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or medical condition/impairment, and on the status of your health.
Cordlife Technologies Pte Ltd (“Cordlife”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cordlife Group Limited (“CGL”), treats all information provided in the purchase and registration (“Collected Data”) of AMILI as confidential and in accordance with the relevant laws of Singapore. To the extent necessary for performing the AMILI Gut Health Test (“Service”), the Collected Data will be transferred to the partner, AMILI providing the Service. Otherwise, the Collected Data will not be transferred to any other third party without your prior consent, unless required by any competent court or judicial, governmental or regulatory body or pursuant to any relevant law or regulation.
ABOUT THE TEST
What is a microbiome?
A microbiome is a collection of bacteria and other microorganisms found in a particular environment. There are many different microbiomes to be found in and on the human body – such as on the skin, in your mouth, and of course, in your gut. The gut microbiome contains one of the highest concentrations of microorganisms in the body, and can weigh up to 2 kilograms!
Why should I sequence my gut microbiome?
Your gut microbiome is largely responsible for digestion, but has recently been found to contribute to many other aspects of your health.
What does the test involve?
The test involves collecting a small sample of your stool, and filling in the AMILI Lifestyle Questionnaire.
Do I have to complete the questionnaire?
Yes. Completing the questionnaire gives us a much more comprehensive overview of your lifestyle and dietary habits. This will help us generate the most accurate microbiome insights and personalised recommendations for you.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
How much is delivery?
We provide complimentary delivery on all orders within Singapore.
How long will it take for my kit to reach me?
Your kit will be dispatched within 3 working days of receiving your order. After that, it will typically take between 3-5 working days for your kit to be delivered to you. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, please allow for some unexpected delays in shipping.
My kit hasn't arrived yet. What should I do?
We’re sorry for the wait! If you haven’t received your kit after 10 working days, please send us an email at lifesprouts@cordlife.com.
Do you ship outside of Singapore?
Unfortunately, AMILI kits are currently only available for sale and use in Singapore. We are working on this and hope to ship internationally soon!
COLLECTING MY SAMPLE
When should I collect my sample?
You should collect your sample at a time that is most representative of your normal dietary and lifestyle habits. Events like travel, pregnancy, and even taking medication can cause changes in your microbiome. We recommend following your typical diet and lifestyle for two weeks before collecting your sample.
I am currently on a course of antibiotics. Can I still collect my sample?
Antibiotics cause drastic changes in your microbiome. We ask that you wait for 2 to 3 weeks after you’ve completed your course before collecting your sample. This will ensure that your sample accurately reflects your typical microbiome.
I take vitamins / supplements daily. Can I still collect my sample?
Yes! If the vitamins and supplements are part of your typical daily routine, please continue taking them.
RETURNING MY SAMPLE
How do I return my sample?
There are a padded envelope, Ziploc bag, and absorbent pad included in your AMILI kit. After you have collected your sample, place the tube and absorbent pad in the Ziploc bag, and put the Ziploc bag in the padded envelope. Then, just pop the envelope in the closest mailbox and you’re good to go! We’ll send you an update when our processing lab received your sample.
The padded envelope I received doesn’t have an address on it. What do I do?
We’re sorry about that! Please label the envelope with the following address:
AMILI
89 Science Park Drive The Rutherford, #03-09
Singapore 118261
Please also drop us an email at lifesprouts@cordlife.com to let us know this happened so we can ensure it doesn’t happen again.
I lost the padded envelope included in my kit. What do I do?
a) If you still have the Ziploc bag and absorbent pad, you can use another envelope to mail your sample back to the lab. Please label the envelope with the following address:
AMILI
89 Science Park Drive The Rutherford, #03-09
Singapore 118261
Please also attach a $1.50 local stamp onto the envelope.
b) If you have also misplaced the Ziplock bag and absorbent pad, please email us at lifesprouts@cordlife.com and we will assist you.
My kit is faulty / missing some items. What do I do?
We’re so sorry about that! Please drop us an email at lifesprouts@cordlife.com with your order number and pictures of the damaged kit and we will send you a replacement kit.
RECEIVING MY RESULTS
When will I receive my results?
You should expect to receive your results within 4 to 6 weeks of our partner’s lab receiving your sample.
How will I receive my results?
Once your results are ready, we’ll send you an email with your encrypted PDF report. As simple as that!
I don’t understand something in my results. Can I speak to someone?
Don’t worry, drop us an email at lifesprouts@cordlife.com and we will get back to you!
DATA AND PRIVACY
How do you protect my data?
The privacy of your data is of utmost importance to us. Please refer to our privacy policy page.
CANCELLATION, REFUND, AND KIT REPLACEMENT POLICY
Cancellation and refund policy
Unfortunately, once your order is placed, it will be processed immediately so that your kit can be mailed out to you as soon as possible. All sales are final and we will not be able to cancel or refund your order for any reason.
Kit replacement
Upon customer request, Cordlife may ship a replacement for a kit purchased by a customer due to non-usability, damage, or defect in the kit being replaced, provided that you have not submitted your sample using the kit subject to replacement and provided that the kit is not expired. Please drop us an email at lifesprouts@cordlife.com to kickstart the replacement process.
Does the kit expire?
The stabilising reagent in your AMILI kit has a shelf life of six months from the date of dispatch (you’ll receive an email when your kit is sent out so you can keep track of the date). As long as your sample reaches the AMILI lab before the six-month mark, you’re good to go!
Can I buy a kit for my friend?
Absolutely! Just click on ‘Buy Now’ to start the purchase process, and enter your friend’s name and mailing address at checkout to make sure it reaches them. Once your friend receives their kit, they will need to create their own account with us to activate and use the kit.
Please be reminded that AMILI is not a diagnostic evaluation. It is an informational wellness and lifestyle test. You should always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding diagnosis, cure, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of any disease or medical condition/impairment, and on the status of your health.
Cordlife Technologies Pte Ltd (“Cordlife”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cordlife Group Limited (“CGL”), treats all information provided in the purchase and registration (“Collected Data”) of AMILI as confidential and in accordance with the relevant laws of Singapore. To the extent necessary for performing the AMILI Gut Health Test (“Service”), the Collected Data will be transferred to the partner, AMILI providing the Service. Otherwise, the Collected Data will not be transferred to any other third party without your prior consent, unless required by any competent court or judicial, governmental or regulatory body or pursuant to any relevant law or regulation.