METABOLITES

OVERVIEW OF METABOLITES

• Metabolites are small molecules involved in various biochemical processes within living organisms.

• Metabolites are produced after metabolic reactions occurring in cells.

CLASSIFICATION:

• Metabolites can broadly classified into two types –

  • primary metabolites &

  • Secondary metabolites.

  1. Primary metabolites:

• Essential for the basic functioning and survival of an organism.

• Example - Carbohydrates, lipid & amino acid

  2. Secondary Metabolites:

• Not directly involved in the basic metabolic processes.

VARIOUS METABOLITIES THEIR NORMAL RANGE, LOW & HIGH LIMIT

1. GLUCOSE:

• Glucose is a simple sugar, It is a primary source of energy for living cells.

• Normal Range (Fasting): 70-100 mg/dL.

• Low Limit: Below 70 mg/dL.

• High Limit: Above 126 mg/dL.

2. UREA:

• Urea is waste product formed in the liver formed after protein metabolism.

• It is excreted from the body primarily through urine.

• Normal Range: 14-40 mg/dL.

• Low Limit: Below 14 mg/dL.

• High Limit: Above 40 mg/dL.

3. CREATININE:

• Creatinine is a waste product generated by muscles.

• It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine.

• Normal Range: 0.5-1.2 mg/dL.

• Low Limit: Below 0.5 mg/dL.

• High Limit: Above 1.2 mg/dL.

4. ELECTROLYTES:

a. Sodium (Na):

• It is a crucial electrolyte found in body fluids.

• Important role in maintaining fluid balance nerve function & muscle contraction.

• Normal Range: 135-145 mEq/L.

• Low Limit: Below 135 mEq/L.

• High Limit: Above 145 mEq/L.

b. Potassium (K):

• Potassium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including heart & muscle function, nerve transmission, and fluid balance.

• Normal Range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L.

• Low Limit: Below 3.5 mEq/L.

• High Limit: Above 5.0 mEq/L.

c. Calcium (Ca):

• Calcium is an essential mineral that plays important role in various physiological processes, including bone formation, blood clotting, nerve transmission & muscle function.

• Normal Range: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL.

• Low Limit: Below 8.5 mg/dL.

• High Limit: Above 10.5 mg/dL.

5. ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE:

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT) is an enzyme found predominantly in the liver.

• Also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT).

• It is commonly used to assess liver function & detect liver damage or diseases.

• Normal Range: 7-51 units per liter (U/L).

• Low Limit: No specific lower limit.

• High Limit: Above 51 U/L may indicate liver issues.

6. ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE:

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT) is an enzyme found in liver, heart, muscles & kidneys.

• Also called serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase( SGOT).

• Normal Range: 8-45 units per liter (U/L).

• Low Limit: No specific lower limit.

• High Limit: Above 45 U/L.

7. TOTAL CHOLESTROL:

• Total cholesterol is a blood test that measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood.

• Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential for body to produce certain hormones.

• Too much cholesterol in the blood can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Normal Range: Less than 200 mg/dL.

• Low Limit: No specific lower limit

• High Limit: 200 mg/dL and above.

8. TRIGLYCERIDES (TG):

• Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.

• Important source of energy for the body.

• Normal Range: Less than 150 mg/dL.

• Borderline High: 150-199 mg/dL.

• High: 200-450 mg/dL.

• Very High: 450 mg/dL and above.

9. C-CREATIVE PROTEIN:

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a blood marker used to detect inflammation in the body.

• Normal Range: Less than 0.6 milligram per liter (mg/L).

• Low Limit: No specific lower limit.

• High Limit: Above 0.6 mg/L.

10. URIC ACID:

• Uric acid is a waste product produced during breakdown of purines.

• It dissolves in the blood & travels to the kidneys, where it is excreted in urine.

• Uric acid in blood can lead to a condition known as hyperuricemia.

• Normal Range:

  • For men: 3.4-7.0 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

  • For women: 2.4-6.0 mg/dL.

• Low Limit: No specific lower limit for uric acid.

• High Limit: More than normal range may indicate hyperuricemia.

About author

Himanshu Paneru’s journey in the world of medical sciences led him to create DOC NOTE MASTER, a platform where education meets expertise. Having earned his Master’s in Medical Microbiology from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, he is dedicated to making medical knowledge more accessible through his writing.