Mixed
Higher circulating levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) are independently associated with the presence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
If you have NAFLD or are at risk, high levels of TMAO in your blood are a warning sign. TMAO comes from the gut breaking down nutrients like choline and carnitine (found in red meat and eggs). While you don't need to eliminate these foods, being aware that high TMAO is linked to worse liver fat is important. Focus on overall liver health through weight management and reducing processed meats, which are high in the precursors to TMAO.
Our findings showed adverse associations between the circulating TMAO level and the presence and severity of NAFLD in hospital- and community-based Chinese adults
Why this rating
Observational studies (case-control and cross-sectional) show strong statistical associations but cannot prove causality.
Source
Associations of gut-flora-dependent metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide, betaine and choline with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults
Yu‐Ming Chen et al. · Scientific Reports · 2016
DOI 10.1038/srep19076
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- Higher circulating levels of betaine are associated with a lower severity of NAFLD, suggesting a protective or favorable relationship.Moderate
- Circulating choline levels are positively associated with NAFLD severity in clinical patients, but this association is largely mediated by TMAO levels.Moderate
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