13C-NMR: a Simple Yet Comprehensive Method for Analysis of Intermediary Metabolism

13C-NMR is a particularly attractive tool for metabolic studies because of its inherent simplicity: all labeled products at sufficient concentration may be identified and analysed in a single spectrum. However, the real power behind the approach presented here is the ability to measure groups of individual 13C-isotopomers (isotope isomers). The information that this provides is superior to conventional tracer techniques, allowing a very detailed description of metabolic events. Several examples are given of the value of this convenient and straightforward analysis for some problems of current interest in intermediary metabolism.