Abstract: A method for treating a nutritional disorder in a subject. The subject's nutritional status first is assessed by measuring a selected intracellular metabolic process. Upon determination that the metabolic process is not functioning normally, a set of intracellular or "primary" nutrients are identified for the metabolic process. The level of each primary nutrient is compThis invention was made with government support. The government has certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: A method for assessing nutritional status and treating a nutritional disorder in a subject. The subject's intracellular status is monitored by measuring selected intracellular amino acids and at least one intracellular metabolic process. Primary intracellular amino acids are identified for the metabolic process and the level of each is compared to normal. Treatment includes administration of a composition comprising the normal plasma concentrations of certain secondary amino acids identified for each of the abnormal primary amino acids. The cellular assessment is preferably performed on leukocytes obtained from a blood sample.