A Deep Dive into Doubly Labeled Water
Unlocking the mysteries of your body's metabolism has never been more precise, thanks to the revolutionary doubly labeled water (DLW) method made available by Calorify. DLW is no ordinary water; the science behind it allows us to trace the intricate dance of water and energy within your body. In this deep dive into DLW, we'll unravel the science behind this groundbreaking method, from understanding its unique isotopic labeling to exploring its historical roots and the transformative impact it has on metabolic research. Join us on a journey through the nitty-gritty details and the fascinating history of DLW, as we showcase how Calorify's innovative approach is democratizing metabolic insights for everyone.
Doubly Labeled Water Itself
Doubly labeled water (DLW) is a special form of water (100% H₂O) labeled with extra neutrons, essentially creating a unique "fingerprint" for these special water molecules. These forms of the water (called “isotopes”) are stable, meaning they do not pose any harm to the body, and naturally occur in trace amounts. When you drink water, whether tap or bottled, it already contains small amounts of these stable isotopes. The small sip of water you receive from Calorify has a higher proportion of these stable isotopes, allowing our lab to analyze the unique signatures of your baseline (A), enriched (B), and final (C) urine samples.
Understanding the DLW Method
The unique labeling feature of DLW allows researchers to trace the movement of water throughout the body, as well as the metabolic processes involving oxygen. The use of stable isotopes ensures that the body's natural processes are not disturbed, making DLW a safe and effective method for studying energy expenditure.
When you take your sip of Calorify water, this fingerprinted water becomes integrated into your body's existing water pool. Then, the DLW gradually leaves your body through various paths (e.g., breath, sweat, urine) throughout your testing period. The speed at which the DLW is eliminated provides valuable information about your metabolic rate.
Science Deep Dive!
The nitty gritty details involve measuring the rate of oxygen-18 (18O) elimination (through carbon dioxide in your breath) and deuterium (2H) elimination (in your urine and breath). The difference between these two rates allows Calorify to calculate how much CO₂ your cells produced over the course of the testing period (via cellular respiration, which converts O2 to CO2) and, in turn, your total energy expenditure.
If that’s too science-y, you can think of a sensor that measures the amount of exhaust coming out of a car. From the exhaust, it is possible to calculate to measure how much fuel it burns or, in other words, the car’s gas mileage. Calorify accurately measures the “gas mileage” of you cells.
The DLW method allows Calorify to gain deep insights into various aspects of an individual's metabolism, including total energy expenditure, body composition, hydration levels, and training intensity.
History of the Method
The DLW method that lies at the heart of Calorify's metabolic analysis was first discovered in 1949 by Nathan Lifson and colleagues at the University of Minnesota. However, due to the exorbitant cost of DLW, its use was restricted to small animals until 1982, when Dale Schoeller performed the first test on humans at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Over the ensuing decades, DLW became the gold standard in metabolic research, contributing significantly to our understanding of human and animal energetics. Its application expanded from studying wildlife in their natural habitats to providing crucial insights into human metabolism. Today, DLW stands as a cornerstone in metabolic research, enabling comprehensive assessments of energy expenditure and metabolic health in diverse populations.
At Calorify, we understand the power of community and extend our gratitude to all the researchers and innovators around the globe who have been a part of this incredible scientific journey. The DLW method has been made possible through collaborative efforts and the support of individuals dedicated to advancing metabolic analysis.
Calorify's Groundbreaking Achievements
Calorify proudly stands as the first laboratory to commercialize this precise method of measuring metabolic rates for a broader audience. While the science has been available to humans for over 40 years, tests have been limited to those participating in academic research (less than 15,000 people). Calorify’s commitment to democratizing metabolic rate measurements has opened the door for individuals from all walks of life to access this critical data about their bodies. Through innovation and a dedication to advancing scientific methodologies, Calorify has brought the DLW method from the confines of research labs to the everyday consumer.
With a patent pending for new advancements of the DLW method, Calorify continues to lead the way in metabolic analysis, offering a unique and unprecedented opportunity for individuals to gain profound insights into their metabolic health. We believe that understanding your body's metabolism is key to achieving optimal health and performance, and Calorify is honored to be at the forefront of this transformative sector.
