The use of multivariate statistical analysis of NMR data to evaluate metabolic responses of living systems is under development for toxicologic screening of pharmacologic compounds (24). The principles for detection of diet-related effects on health are the same as for the toxicologic use; in effect, nutritional deficiencies, excesses or intolerances can be viewed as toxicologic responses that are expressed in the metabolic profile. Thus, we believe that the information-rich character of the NMR spectra with MS data can provide a powerful approach to investigate both direct and indirect effects of nutritional variation in SAA intake. Given the fundamental roles of SAA metabolites in cell growth regulation, digestion, detoxification, antioxidant defense and hormonal signaling, and the potential risks of excess SAA intake, metabolic profiling by NMR could provide a useful approach to define optimum SAA intake and, in the future, to diagnose and treat SAA malnutrition.