TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)

Overview:

Trimethylamine N-oxide is formed in two steps: gut bacteria convert choline and carnitine, found in red meat, eggs, dairy and fish, into trimethylamine, which the liver then converts into TMAO. Interest in it comes from observational studies linking higher levels to cardiovascular events, and from the idea that the gut microbiome contributes to that risk. Levels are influenced by recent diet, by the composition of gut bacteria and by kidney function, since TMAO is cleared by the kidneys. Its role as a risk marker is still being established, and it is not part of standard cardiovascular assessment.

Categories:

Heart, Metabolic

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker