Metabolome Test

Metabolites are small, naturally occurring molecules that are produced or consumed in almost all metabolic pathways. These include amino acids, sugars and their breakdown products, lipid components, organic acids and numerous intermediate products of energy metabolism. Because these molecules are continuously formed, converted and excreted, their concentrations in the blood respond sensitively to everyday life. Diet, sleep, training, stress and hydration leave measurable traces, often within a few hours to days.

Practical interpretation

Metabolites provide a current snapshot of physiological status. They show how well key regulatory circuits work together, such as energy provision, the regulation of inflammation or the detoxification performance of the liver and kidneys. Unlike genetic information, which does not change, metabolites reflect the here and now. It is precisely this dynamic nature that makes them valuable for prevention, lifestyle monitoring and the assessment of interventions. People who consciously adjust their diet, training or recovery can use repeat measurements to see whether their metabolic patterns are moving in the desired direction. The overall interpretation is based less on an individual value than on the coherent combination of many measurements.

After you send in your sample, it passes through carefully structured and precise processing stages in the laboratory. Here is a detailed overview:

Week 1 – Sample receipt and preparation

Once the sample has arrived, it is registered and its identity and quality are checked. The blood is processed and centrifuged to obtain plasma. Predefined checks ensure that the volume, stability and storage conditions meet the requirements.

Week 1 – NMR measurement, data processing and validation

The sample is measured on the NMR platform. This produces a spectrum showing the magnetic signals of the molecules it contains. Internal references and control signals ensure quantitative comparability across measurement series.

Specialised algorithms separate overlapping signals, assign them to known metabolites and lipoprotein characteristics and calculate the concentrations from the signal area. Technical quality criteria check stability, reproducibility and the absence of measurement artefacts.

Week 1 – Reference comparison and classification

The quantified values are compared with reference ranges from a comparison group. Functional clusters such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, inflammation and cardiovascular system are formed from the individual parameters. The traffic-light visualisation summarises the patterns for quick orientation.

Week 2 – Preparation of your individual report and communication of results

The results are presented in a structured report. The report contains the traffic-light overview, explanatory text and tables with individual values, units and reference ranges. Once all analysis steps have been completed and your personalised report has been prepared, the result is sent to you.

Glucose regulation and pancreas

Glucose values are assessed in the context of insulin and glucagon. They indicate stable or strained glucose regulation. The focus is on patterns relevant to everyday life, not on clinical diagnosis.

Antioxidant capacity

Vitamin C reflects the supply of a key water-soluble antioxidant. Low values often indicate a low intake of fresh foods. The marker responds quickly and is suitable for monitoring effectiveness.

Inflammation

Glycoprotein A and B and histidine are used to classify low-grade inflammatory activity. Unremarkable patterns indicate low systemic activation. Repeated abnormalities should be monitored over time and, where necessary, supplemented by standard laboratory tests.

Kidney function

Urea and creatinine are used to classify filtration, excretion and protein turnover. Persistent abnormalities should be monitored over time and, where appropriate, medically assessed.

Liver metabolism

Amino-acid patterns and the lipid context provide indications of key liver processes. An unremarkable constellation indicates stable metabolic regulation. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol, medication and dietary pattern must be taken into account during interpretation.

Lipid profile

Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are reported quantitatively. This provides a clear picture of blood lipids in everyday life. Changes can be tracked together with diet and training.

Lipoprotein particle sizes

The mean size of LDL and HDL particles complements the lipid profile. It provides information about the qualitative composition of blood lipids. The objective is a neutral, scientifically sound classification beyond quantity values alone.

Cardiovascular context

Non-HDL cholesterol and selected ratios are used to classify atherogenic burden. Together with particle sizes, they provide a more differentiated picture than conventional individual values alone. The classification remains preventive and lifestyle-related.

NMR spectroscopy uses the ability of certain atomic nuclei to align themselves in a strong magnetic field and emit measurable signals when stimulated. The exact position of these signals depends on the chemical environment of the nucleus and acts as a characteristic fingerprint. The position of the signals identifies the molecule, while the signal area determines its concentration.

Strengths of the method

NMR is based on a physical principle and does not require reactive reagents. This reduces variability, increases reproducibility and supports reliable quantification. The method captures many metabolic pathways simultaneously and is therefore particularly well suited to tracking trends. Small but consistent changes become visible when measurements are repeated under similar conditions.

What NMR can and cannot do

NMR provides a broad, standardised profile of validated metabolites and lipoprotein characteristics. The method is not intended to report rare individual substances without a standard or non-validated markers. Its value lies in the stable representation of an extensive, interpretable panel that is suitable for progress monitoring and classification in the context of lifestyle.