Relationship between red meat metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Many cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are caused by the interplay of lifestyle and genetic factors. Studies have suggested an association between red meat consumption and increased CVD risk. There is evidence indicating that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of red meat and other animal-derived foodstuffs, promotes CVD. Here, we undertake an overview of some of the reported investigations of the relationship between TMAO and CVD and briefly discuss possible underlying mechanisms.

Keywords

• cardiovascular disease
• flavin monooxygenase-3
• inflammation
• lipid metabolism
• trimethylamine n-oxide