<p>A method of elucidating the identity of an unknown metabolite comprising measuring amounts of known and unknown metabolites in subjects; associating the unknown metabolite with a specific gene from a gene association study; determining a protein associated with the specific gene and analyzing information for the protein; associating the unknown metabolite with concentrations and/or ratios of other metabolites in subjects; obtaining chemical structural data for the unknown metabolite; and using the information obtained to elucidate the identity of the unknown metabolite.</p>