Trimethylamine Oxide (TMAO)

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a small organic compound, is generated from choline, betaine, and carnitine via gut microbial metabolism. After ingesting I-carnitine and phosphatidylcholine, the concentration of TMAO in blood increases. Recent studies showed there is correlation between TMAO and several kinds of diseases, like colorectal cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, neurological disorder, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke and so on. So, researchers are exploring to use this small molecule as biomarker in disease diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.