Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Metabolic Disorder?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A metabolic disorder is a medical condition characterized by problems with an organism's metabolism. Since a healthy, functioning metabolism is crucial for life, metabolic disorders are treated very seriously. A broad range of conditions including Tay-Sachs disease and Wilson's disease are classified as metabolic disorders. Diagnosing a metabolic disorder can be difficult, as a wide variety of problems create similar symptoms; many patients end up enduring a battery of tests and seeing multiple experts before the root cause of their problems is identified.

The process of converting food into energy is known as metabolism. Metabolic functions also govern the transport, storage, and distribution of energy throughout the body. A myriad of metabolic functions are constantly occurring in the body of any living organism, as the cells work together to keep their parent organism healthy. A major part of a healthy metabolism is the generation of enzymes which break food down into energy and handle the transport of that energy. Most metabolic disorders are related to enzyme malfunctions.

Eating disorders may cause permanent damage to the metabolism.
Eating disorders may cause permanent damage to the metabolism.

In an enzyme fails to perform properly or the body does not produce enough of it, the results can be very serious. Some compounds may build up to toxic levels in the body, because they are not being properly metabolized. In other cases, the host organism may fail to get proper nutrition, even if it is eating a healthy, balanced diet. A metabolic disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms including muscle weakness, neurological problems, intestinal irregularities, and cardiovascular problems, among many others.

Patients suffering from Tay-Sachs, which is a metabolic disorder, who are unable to swallow food may have to use a feeding tube.
Patients suffering from Tay-Sachs, which is a metabolic disorder, who are unable to swallow food may have to use a feeding tube.

Typically, a metabolic disorder is inherited. Parents may not be aware that they carry dangerous genes until their children are born. In other instances, diseases, exposure to toxins, diet, and drug use may cause metabolic disorders. Since the symptoms can be vague, diagnosis is complicated, especially in regions where people do not have access to excellent health care. A physician who is not experienced with metabolic disorders may try a number of other avenues of treatment before realizing that the condition is metabolic in origin.

Metabolic disorders are often inherited.
Metabolic disorders are often inherited.

The treatments for metabolic disorders vary, depending on what type of condition is involved and how severe the symptoms are. Once the problem has been identified, a doctor may prescribe drugs or therapy to help the body regulate itself. The patient may also be asked to participate in self-care through lifestyle changes such as an alteration in diet. Ideally, treatment will stabilize the metabolic disorder, allowing the patient to live a healthy, functional life.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon310901

I have a 9 month old son who currently weighs 18 pounds. They are saying he is too small for his age, although he is 30 1/2 inches tall as well. He has an eating problem, ever since he was diagnosed with salmonella at the age of six months. They say he has a metabolic disorder and he has had blood work done, and now we go for results tomorrow. I'm pretty sure the whole "fat" comment is crap. Not everyone who has a Metabolic Disorder is "fat".

anon213894

It seems to me that Metabolic Disorder is code for fat. I know I am fat. I don't need another label.

anon159900

Reiki or Pranic healing can help in such types of the metabolic disorders. just search for a nearby therapist and discuss the matter. Your problem may be solved.

Thanks. Manikant G.

anon145869

i don't think so because i am diagnosed with wilson's disease which is a life long disease. i lost quite a lot of weight and i had jaundice, anemia, etc. maybe all of you should get blood screening done so the doctors can know the problems you or your family member has.

anon124693

I thought this was the best explanation of a metabolic disorder! Thanks!

anon111065

my son is five months old; born at five pounds, now weighing 12 pounds at five months. they say he is small. newborn screening test came back positive for the metabolic disorder. now he has to see a heart doctor to make sure heart is growing right. they say they can't see symptoms this early so have to keep checking. it's getting on my nerves; seems like a lot of bull.

jignesh

My niece has a metabolic disorder of the liver. She is vomiting and it has lasted for 9-10 days. Here in ahmedabad all tests have been done, like urea cycle, etc. but all they are coming back normal.

The doctors are not able to diagnose the problem. This kind of problem occurs about every six months. She is currently six years old. She has had this problem for the last three years. Please help us to know who we should contact or consult to rectify this problem. Your early response would be appreciated.

anon71196

i am a massage therapist, and recently i have been asked to massage an 11 year old boy with metabolic disorder to help him to relax.

i have limited knowledge about the disorder and wonder if there are complications in massaging individuals with the disorder. please help.

anon61910

I have a nine month old son who has had weight problems since birth and they kept saying it was ftt then it went to his kidneys. They are not working right and now this. what i don't understand is he has a lot of these side effects and this sounds like what it would be so why are they just now running tests to see if this is it?

anon42601

I think the diagnoses of Metabolic Disorder is being misused. I have a biliary duct disorder affecting my digestion and causing severe pain and weight loss and malabsorption of nutrients I was told at the Mayo Clinic that I needed to lose weight and exercise. I feel they are using this diagnosis to deny care to overweight patients and it is discrimination.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Eating disorders may cause permanent damage to the metabolism.
      By: Tatty
      Eating disorders may cause permanent damage to the metabolism.
    • Patients suffering from Tay-Sachs, which is a metabolic disorder, who are unable to swallow food may have to use a feeding tube.
      By: sudok1
      Patients suffering from Tay-Sachs, which is a metabolic disorder, who are unable to swallow food may have to use a feeding tube.
    • Metabolic disorders are often inherited.
      By: Monkey Business
      Metabolic disorders are often inherited.
    • Someone who metabolizes food slowly may experience weight issues.
      By: tchara
      Someone who metabolizes food slowly may experience weight issues.
    • Intestinal irregularities may occur as a result of a metabolic disorder.
      By: 7activestudio
      Intestinal irregularities may occur as a result of a metabolic disorder.
    • Regularly performing yoga may help improve an individual's metabolism.
      By: Mikhail Malyugin
      Regularly performing yoga may help improve an individual's metabolism.
    • The production of enzymes slows down as people age.
      By: Monkey Business
      The production of enzymes slows down as people age.
    • A metabolic disorder could lead to intestinal irregularities.
      By: graphicgeoff
      A metabolic disorder could lead to intestinal irregularities.
    • A metabolic disorder may cause cardiovascular problems.
      By: pathdoc
      A metabolic disorder may cause cardiovascular problems.