TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
Here’s what it reflects — and what to do about it.
Longetic pulls together every lab and record you’ve had, follows how TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide) changes over time, and explains what’s shifting — so you walk into your next appointment prepared, with reminders for retests along the way.
What is TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)?
A compound made when gut bacteria digest certain foods and the liver processes the result.
TMAO is produced when gut bacteria break down nutrients found in foods like red meat, egg yolks, and some fish, after which the liver converts them into TMAO that the kidneys clear. Higher levels have been associated in research with atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk, though a large part of that link appears tied to kidney function, and it is not yet settled whether TMAO causes harm or mainly reflects it. This is an advanced, research-oriented marker rather than a routine test.
What to know about TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
Understanding TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide) means knowing what it reflects, what tends to move it, and the signs that suggest it’s worth a closer look — so you can bring the right questions to your next appointment.
This glossary entry is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our Medical Disclaimer.
References
About our sources
Official sources
Government health agencies, national institutes, and intergovernmental bodies whose guidelines carry regulatory or policy weight.
Clinical / professional
Medical societies, specialty colleges, and professional associations whose consensus statements reflect clinical practice standards.
Peer-reviewed research
Original research articles and systematic reviews published in indexed journals and verified through PubMed or DOI.