Feeling flat, low on energy, or struggling to stay motivated? We often think of these experiences as purely psychological, but mounting research suggests that our body’s internal chemistry could play a huge part too. One emerging field of science, metabolomics, is beginning to uncover how the way we process nutrients may influence how we feel day to day. In the future, this approach could help explain why some people respond better to certain diets, supplements, or lifestyle changes than others.
What Exactly Is Metabolism?
We often hear phrases like “fast metabolism” or “slow metabolism,” but metabolism is more than just calorie burning. It’s the entire network of chemical reactions that keeps us alive, turning food and drink into energy, fuelling our cells, and repairing tissues.
Metabolism also underpins everyday functions like concentration, memory, and emotional balance. When it runs smoothly, we feel energised, alert, and able to handle challenges. When it’s out of sync, fatigue, brain fog, and unstable moods can creep in. That’s why scientists are starting to look at metabolism not only as a physical process but also as a key driver of overall wellbeing.
What Is Metabolomics?
Metabolomics is the study of metabolites, the small molecules left behind after our body processes food and nutrients. By taking a snapshot of these molecules, scientists can see what’s really happening inside our cells at any given time.
For example, your metabolic “signature” after a stressful day might look very different from after a restful holiday. Similarly, someone who thrives on a high-protein diet might show a unique metabolite pattern compared to someone who feels better on more complex carbohydrates.
These insights allow researchers to see how lifestyle, nutrition, and environment influence the tiny chemical messengers that keep our bodies and minds balanced.
How Metabolomics Connects to Mood and Energy
Traditional approaches to understanding mood focus on behaviour and psychology. Metabolomics, on the other hand, zooms in on the biology beneath it.
Research shows that imbalances in energy metabolism, like how well your mitochondria function, can affect mental clarity, focus, and motivation. For instance, if your cells aren’t producing enough energy, your brain may not have the resources it needs to stay sharp, potentially leaving you tired, irritable, or foggy.
By identifying these metabolic imbalances, scientists hope to create a clearer picture of why some people feel chronically low on energy or struggle with mood stability, even when they’re doing “all the right things.”
Towards More Personalised Wellbeing
One of the most exciting possibilities of metabolomics is its potential to personalise support strategies. Right now, improving mood or energy often involves trial and error, whether that’s trying different supplements, adjusting diet, or testing new routines.
With metabolomics, a simple test of someone’s metabolic profile could one day point towards the most effective approach for them. For example:
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Someone with low energy metabolites might benefit most from nutritional changes that target mitochondrial support.
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Someone else with signs of elevated stress metabolites might respond better to adaptogens, relaxation practices, or targeted supplements.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, metabolomics could provide tailor-made solutions.
Real-World Applications
While still in its early days, metabolomics is already shedding light on patterns linked to stress resilience, energy levels, and cognitive clarity. Some of the most promising findings include:
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Energy metabolism: People with more efficient energy pathways tend to report higher motivation and fewer feelings of fatigue.
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Inflammation markers: Elevated inflammatory metabolites often show up in individuals who feel run-down or less resilient to stress.
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Nutrient processing: Differences in how we handle B-vitamins, amino acids, or fatty acids may explain why some people thrive on certain diets and others don’t.
These insights are helping researchers design interventions that go beyond surface-level advice and address the actual chemistry influencing mood and performance.
The Future of Mood Science
Imagine a future where instead of guessing which supplement, food plan, or lifestyle change will make you feel better, you could take a simple blood test and know exactly what your body needs. That’s the potential of metabolomics.
While it’s not yet a routine part of healthcare, early studies are building momentum. By mapping how metabolism influences energy, stress, and mental clarity, scientists are moving closer to a future of personalised wellbeing, where support strategies are designed to fit your unique biology.
In the meantime, practices like eating nutrient-dense foods, staying active, managing stress, and supplementing wisely (for example with NAD+ boosters like NMN) can help keep your metabolic system running smoothly. After all, when your metabolism is in balance, your body and mind have the resources they need to perform at their best.
