FoodMarble review: Does it work?

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The bacteria and other microorganisms living in a person’s digestive tract are called the microbiome.

A person’s microbiome is unique to them, which may account for why some people respond to certain foods differently from others. In recent years, researchers have looked more into the microbiome as a potential avenue to treat chronic illness and help with various other health conditions. For example, some evidence suggests the microbiome may influence IBS.

FoodMarble developed two devices and an app that people can use to monitor their meals and how their microbiome reacts to different foods. The concept behind the devices revolves around the principle that certain foods interact with a person’s unique microbiome differently and can account for higher levels of gas, bloating, discomfort, and other symptoms in some people.

This article looks into the FoodMarble brand, including its products and reputation. It also provides information on alternative services and products and advice on when to contact a doctor about digestive problems.

FoodMarble is a health tech company that sells breath tests for digestive health.

FoodMarble devices measure how much gas the bacteria in a person’s gut release during digestion using a breath sample. The FoodMarble app records this as “fermentation.” These gas levels can indicate how quickly or slowly certain sugars pass through a person’s digestive system, which can suggest how effectively their body digests them.

A person can use this information to determine which foods they may have an intolerance to. They can also monitor their meals, stress levels, and sleep symptoms.

FoodMarble sells two breath test devices, the AIRE and the AIRE 2. Both devices provide readings on how a person’s microbiome responds to different foods.

After breathing into the device, users can then use the FoodMarble app to log the foods they ate, any reactions they experienced, and how they felt following the meal or snack.

Combined with the reading from the AIRE product, a person can use this information to develop an understanding of which foods cause excessive gas in their digestive tract. They can then tailor their diet around foods that do not cause this reaction.

FoodMarble also sells a Food Intolerance Kit, a 6-week plan that tests a person’s intolerance to four food components that can be hard to digest: lactose, fructose, inulin, and sorbitol.

Below is an overview of the pros and cons of each FoodMarble product and service as stated by the company.

AIRE

The AIRE costs $179.

AIRE 2

The AIRE 2 costs $249.

Food Intolerance Kit

The Food Intolerance Kit costs $49.

The devices do not require a prescription, and the company states that it ships its products throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

According to the FoodMarble website, its products are suitable for people living with:

• IBS
• lactose and dairy intolerance
• SIBO

FoodMarble warns that its devices do not accurately measure or test for celiac disease.

The company writes that its devices are suitable for children, but an adult must supervise them. Its products are not suitable for infants.

A person should work with a doctor to receive a diagnosis for and treat any digestive symptoms they are experiencing. Tests such as those from FoodMarble should not replace regular care or advice from a doctor.

FoodMarble provides step-by-step instructions detailing how to use its devices and food intolerance test on its website.

A person can download the FoodMarble app from Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for iOS. They will then need to open an account with FoodMarble to use the app.

Using the AIRE or AIRE 2

Once set up with the app, a person can follow these steps to use the AIRE or AIRE 2:

1. Charge and power on the device.
2. Allow it to warm up so it can get an accurate reading.
3. Select “Breath” on the home screen.
4. Log food, stress levels, sleep, and any symptoms into the app.

The breath test involves three steps. A person should:

1. Hold their breath for 3 seconds.
2. Create a seal around the device with their mouth.
3. Gently blow through the device for 5 seconds.

The device will shut down after the test is complete. The app will then begin tracking and showing patterns in the foods a person eats. This may provide a person with insight into which foods they respond to and those they do not.

A person needs to check their breath up to 10 times a day at the following times:

• once when they get up
• an hour after breakfast and then hourly up until lunch
• an hour after lunch and then hourly up until dinner

They will need to repeat the pattern until they have a total of ten readings for the day.

Using the Food Intolerance Test

To use the Food Intolerance Test, a person must order a kit on the company website and download the FoodMarble app.

The kit follows a 6-week plan divided into three stages: baseline, reset, and discovery.

Baseline

The baseline stage involves building up a picture of a person’s breath scores, FODMAP intake, the symptoms they experience, and their stress and sleep levels. The app will then compare data from this stage with data from the discovery stage.

For some people, foods containing FODMAP substances can cause digestive symptoms.

Reset

In the Reset stage, people cut out FODMAP foods from their diet. This stage lasts 1 week, during which a person continues to log their meals, breath scores, symptoms, stress, and sleep data.

Discovery

The Discovery stage involves testing lactose, fructose, sorbitol, and inulin. A person will test one of these components per week and continue to log their usual data during this final stage of testing.

The FoodMarble app provides a library of recipes a person can follow throughout the 6-week testing period.

FoodMarble’s devices and app may help people with IBS, SIBO, or other digestive issues figure out trigger foods that cause bloating and gas.

There is a limited amount of clinical data on the effectiveness of the devices. However, some research has produced positive results.

According to a 2019 study, the AIRE may provide clinically accurate hydrogen measurements for levels up to 81 parts per million (ppm). However, the authors note that while the AIRE device can suggest a person may have lactose malabsorption, it cannot control how a person interprets their data and changes their behavior in response. As such, it may lead users to unnecessarily avoid certain foods.

There is debate among researchers as to whether reducing FODMAP foods help people with conditions such as IBS. Some studies suggest that low FODMAP diets can cause a reduction in beneficial bacteria in the gut. Others suggest they may decrease IBS and inflammatory bowel disease symptoms. Larger studies in this area would help to clarify these results.

The authors of the 2019 study note that low FODMAP diets are not sustainable.

A person should share their AIRE results with a doctor to get informed analysis, interpretation, and advice on managing or treating their digestive symptoms.

FoodMarble has a positive rating overall on Trustpilot.

At the time of publishing, the current average rating is 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 140 reviews. Of these, 72% rate FoodMarble at 5 stars, while 16% give it 4 stars.

Positive comments mention that the AIRE devices helped people figure out which foods triggered uncomfortable digestive symptoms. People with SIBO and IBS mentioned finding these devices useful in managing their conditions.

Approximately 8% of users gave FoodMarble a negative review. These mentioned problems with shipping, customer service, and inaccurate results.

The following companies offer similar products for tracking a person’s food responses.

• Viome: This company provides a Gut Intelligence Test similar to FoodMarble’s test. It looks at how a person’s microbiome responds to different foods and their overall health. The app then provides insights into foods people can eat for optimal gut health. Learn more about Viome.
• Lumen: This company offers a breath reader that measures a person’s CO2 output, providing insights into their metabolism. The app can then provide details on changes a person may make to improve their metabolism if necessary, including potentially changing sleep habits and other aspects of their lifestyle and diet.

The table below compares FoodMarble’s offerings with similar products.

People living with regular abdominal pain, bloating, discomfort, or other digestive symptoms should talk with a doctor.

A person should show any results from test devices to a doctor to get advice on how to interpret them and what dietary or lifestyle changes may be useful if required.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about FoodMarble.

Is FoodMarble good?

One 2019 study suggests that the FoodMarble AIRE device can accurately record data up to 81 parts per million.

FoodMarble may be helpful for some people in determining which foods cause them excessive gas, bloating, and abdominal cramping. For the tests to provide the most accurate results, they require a person to take some time to test their levels, log the food they eat each day, and record their reactions.

How much does FoodMarble cost?

FoodMarble offers two devices at different prices. The AIRE costs $179, and the AIRE 2 costs $249. The accompanying app is free and does not require a subscription or contain in-app purchases.

A person can also order a 6-Week Discovery Plan and FODMAP Test Kit that the company states can help identify intolerances to common food components for $49. A person will need to use an AIRE device to use this test.

What does FoodMarble do?

The FoodMarble AIRE measures hydrogen levels in the breath. The AIRE 2 measures hydrogen and methane levels. These measurements can help show which foods the bacteria in a person’s gut microbiome react to, potentially causing symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and excessive gas. A person can use data the AIRE devices collect to make changes to their diet or lifestyle if necessary to help reduce these symptoms. A person should always talk with a doctor to interpret their results.

How do you use FoodMarble?

FoodMarble uses a combination of a handheld breathalyzer and an app. A person will need to test their breath using the device up to 10 times a day and record the foods they eat and how they respond to the food. The app then helps track and develop recommendations on foods a person may need to avoid to help reduce uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

FoodMarble is a health testing company that sells two breath testing devices: a food intolerance test kit and an app. These devices may be useful for people who experience digestive discomfort after eating and those who live with irritable bowel syndrome, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and other digestive conditions.

The device measures the levels of gas a person’s body releases during digestion. This may help people determine which foods they are sensitive to and allow them to reduce symptoms such as excess gas, bloating, and discomfort.

A person should always consult a doctor if they experience symptoms of a digestive condition.