Because of their sensitivity and selectivity, mass spectrometry (MS) techniques have become methods of choice to characterise the human metabolome and MS-based metabolomics is increasingly used to characterise the complex metabolic effects of nutrients and foods. However, progress is still hampered by many problems most notably the lack of well established and standardised methods or procedures, and the difficulties associated with identification of metabolites influenced by nutritional interventions.

Scalbert et al have published a paper reviewing the major obstacles limiting progress and make recommendations to overcome them. Suggestions are made with respect to improving the mode of collection and preparation of biological samples, scope and quality of mass spectrometry analyses, extraction and exploitation of raw data, identification of the metabolites, and biological interpretation of the results.

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