This is a test version of Biostars. For the public version, visit https://www.biostars.org.
How big is the human metabolome ?

Hi there,

from HMDB I know that there are 41993 entries, where 29289 entries are endogenous. But i also know, that this data is still extending and not complete. Is there any estimation on how big the human metabolome is ? Can it be that this will rise to 60000 in the near future for example ?

metabolomics
• 2,425 views • link
updated by Egon Willighagen Egon Willighagen • written by tevlon84 • tevlon84

Maybe ask this question on a Biochemistry forum?

• 0 views • link
written by Benn Benn

1 answer

Recently I saw a presentation of a metabolomics researcher, and he said that there was an estimation of approx. 2500 metabolites in human (Ryals 2004). But the number of HMDB entries exceeded it by far and researchers were suprised (though he added 41993 might include metabolites digested from food). So as far as I know there's no recent reliable estimation.

• 0 views • link
written by bulldogshepherd • bulldogshepherd

Log in to answer this question.

More posts like this