BackgroundThe dynamics of metabolomics in establishing a prediction model using partial least square discriminant analysis have enabled better disease diagnosis; with emphasis on early detection of diseases. We attempted to translate the metabolomics model to predict the health status of the Orang Asli community whom we have little information. The metabolite expressions of the healthy vs. diseased patients (cardiovascular) were compared. A metabotype model was developed and validated using partial least square discriminant analysis (PLSDA). Cardiovascular risks of the Orang Asli were predicted and confirmed by biochemistry profiles conducted concurrently.ResultsFourteen (14) metabolites were determined as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular risks with receiver operating characteristic of more than 0.7. They include 15S-HETE (AUC = 0.997) and phosphorylcholine (AUC = 0.995). Seven Orang Asli were clustered with the patients’ group and may have ongoing cardiovascular risks and problems. This is supported by biochemistry tests results that showed abnormalities in cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL levels.ConclusionsThe disease prediction model based on metabolites is a useful diagnostic alternative as compared to the current single biomarker assays. The former is believed to be more cost effective since a single sample run is able to provide a more comprehensive disease profile, whilst the latter require different types of sampling tubes and blood volumes.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13336-015-0018-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.