Researchers are increasingly using advanced tools to study complex biological systems, such as the epigenetics of thousands of genes or the diversity of gut microbiome species. Mass spectrometry, for example, can measure thousands of metabolites in a single blood sample.

While prior mindfulness research has examined its effects on neurotransmitters, stress hormones, and inflammatory markers, no prior study has explored its influence on the broader metabolome, which is the full range of metabolites possibly affecting mental and physiological health. 

Tang et al. [Scientific Reports] compared Integrative Mind-Body Training (IMBT), an adapted form of mindfulness training, with relaxation training (RT) to assess their relative impact on serum metabolites.

The researchers randomly assigned 42 meditation-naïve healthy adults (mean age = 54 years; 86% female; 88% White) to either IMBT or relaxation training. Both interventions consisted of 10 one-hour group sessions. IMBT combined gentle stretching postures aimed at cultivating presence, balance, and a calm, alert, and effortless open awareness. Relaxation training used progressive muscle relaxation to promote physical and mental calmness.

Fasting blood samples were collected before and after the intervention period, then analyzed via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Changes in 923 serum metabolites were tested with paired t-tests.

The results showed the IMBT group had significant within-group changes in 13 metabolites related to carbon, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, with amino acid and lipid metabolites increasing and many sulfur metabolites decreasing. The RT group showed no within-group changes that reached statistical significance. Post-intervention comparisons revealed 106 metabolites, particularly glycine-related amino acid metabolites, differed significantly between groups. 

These exploratory findings suggest IMBT might affect the metabolome more than progressive muscle relaxation training. The changes detected in relation to IMBT may have clinical relevance given that glycine has been implicated in Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, stress, depression, cortical excitability, memory, and cognition. Further, the lowering of sulfate levels may be important as sulfates are implicated in cognitive dysfunction and dementia.

The study is limited by its small, mostly female sample, and its reliance on multiple unadjusted t-tests, which makes it vulnerable to identifying untrue associations. 

Reference:

Tang, Y.-Y., Patterson, J. S., Tang, R., Chi, J., Ho, N. B. P., Sears, D. D., & Gu, H. (2025). Metabolomic profiles impacted by brief mindfulness intervention with contributions to improved health. Scientific Reports. 

Link to study