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Which two analytical methods are most widely used in metabolomics?

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Diagram illustrating metabolism with two sections: anabolic reaction on the left shows energy used to build larger molecules from smaller ones, while catabolic reaction on the right shows larger molecules breaking down into smaller molecules with energy released. — Metabolomics In anabolic reactions, a cell uses energy to combine small molecules into larger molecules. In catabolic reactions, molecules are broken down, and energy is released.

In the field of metabolomics, the two analytical methods that dominate the discipline are:

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: This technique is highly valued for being rapid and reproducible. It preserves the integrity of specimens and metabolites, allowing for subsequent analysis by other means, though it generally offers lower sensitivity and detects fewer metabolites compared to other methods.1
Mass spectrometry (MS): This approach provides high sensitivity and specificity. While it is a powerful tool—particularly in areas like lipidomics—it often requires extensive sample preparation and careful monitoring to ensure consistent performance across different samples.1

Because the metabolome exhibits vast chemical diversity, these methods are often used in complementary ways to capture a broader portrait of metabolic activity.1