How does the consumption of animal products affect the gut microbiome?

The consumption of animal products is associated with an increase in the production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). This compound is generated in the liver from trimethylamine (TMA), which is produced by gut microbiota during the digestion of certain nutrients found in animal products, particularly phosphatidylcholine and L-carnitine that are abundant in meats and dairy. Elevated levels of TMAO have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the potential negative impact of a diet high in animal products on gut health and overall wellbeing.

A diet rich in animal products may promote the growth of specific bacteria that produce TMA, leading to higher TMAO levels. In contrast, plant-based diets, which are generally lower in TMA-producing substrates, tend to favor a different composition of microbiota that can be associated with lower TMAO production.

Understanding these dynamics emphasizes the importance of dietary choices on gut microbiome composition and health outcomes, making the link between animal product consumption and increased TMAO production particularly significant in the discussion of lifestyle medicine.