The study investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes in humans, focusing on a Chinese family and comparing it with previously reported American volunteers. The researchers used a combination of spectroscopic, microbiomic, and multivariate statistical tools to analyze fecal and urinary samples from seven Chinese individuals. They found structural differences in the gut microbiomes of the Chinese family compared to American volunteers, consistent with population-specific microbial cometabolic differences. The study introduces the concept of functional metagenomics, which characterizes key functional members of the microbiome that influence host metabolism and health. For example, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was found to modulate eight urinary metabolites, indicating its significant role in host metabolism. The approach provides a foundation for understanding the dynamic basis of host-microbiome symbiosis and developing functional metagenomics to explore the systemic effects of drugs and diet on personal and public health care solutions.The study investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolic phenotypes in humans, focusing on a Chinese family and comparing it with previously reported American volunteers. The researchers used a combination of spectroscopic, microbiomic, and multivariate statistical tools to analyze fecal and urinary samples from seven Chinese individuals. They found structural differences in the gut microbiomes of the Chinese family compared to American volunteers, consistent with population-specific microbial cometabolic differences. The study introduces the concept of functional metagenomics, which characterizes key functional members of the microbiome that influence host metabolism and health. For example, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was found to modulate eight urinary metabolites, indicating its significant role in host metabolism. The approach provides a foundation for understanding the dynamic basis of host-microbiome symbiosis and developing functional metagenomics to explore the systemic effects of drugs and diet on personal and public health care solutions.