Postcibalome is the comprehensive array of biochemical and physiological responses that occur in the body, most notably in the blood, following the consumption of food. [1] This term encompasses the complex interplay of hormonal, nutritional, and metabolic changes that take place as the body processes food and returns to its fasting state.[ citation needed ] It includes fluctuations in hormones, nutrients, metabolites, and proteins, as well as stress responses associated with excessive food intake. The term "postcibalome" is derived from "postcibal," which combines the prefix "post-" (after) with the Latin word "cibus," meaning food.[ citation needed ]
The changes in blood composition after eating are intricate and can serve as important indicators of metabolic health. [2] Studies have shown that alterations in glucose and insulin levels are significant markers of metabolic dysfunction, with insulin resistance often signifying a risk for diabetes. [3] [4] Additionally, the gene expression and proteome of white blood cells, as well as the metabolome and proteome of the blood, exhibit dynamic changes in response to food intake.[ citation needed ] These collective fluctuations highlight the body's adaptive mechanisms in managing nutrient intake and maintaining metabolic balance.[ citation needed ]
