Hello and welcome to the Nutrition Diva Podcast, a show where we take a closer look at

nutrition research and trends so that you can make more informed decisions about what you eat.

I'm your host, Monica Reinagal, and in addition to hosting this podcast, I'm also a speaker, a media expert, and a behavioral health coach.

If you'd like to learn more about having me speak or lead a workshop at your next live or virtual event,

you can find out more at my new website wellness works here.com.

Today I want to bring you up to date on a compound you may have started to hear more about.

It's called Trimethyl amine,-oxide, that's a mouthful, you'll usually see it spelled out as TMAO.

People who eat meat and other animal products generally have higher TMAO levels in their

blood for reasons I'll explain in just a minute.

And many people believe that this is part of the reason that diets that are higher in animal products have been linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

In fact, if you have encountered this term, it's likely to have been from someone arguing

that plant-based diets are just healthier.

Now, before I go on, I want to acknowledge that health, our health is only one of many

reasons that people may have for choosing to avoid animal products.

There are also valid concerns about environmental impacts and animal welfare.

In this episode, however, I'm focusing on TMAO and its potential role in human health.

As I said earlier those who eat vegetarian or vegan diets tend to have lower TMAO levels

and so this is mostly a concern for people who eat meat.

At the same time, eating more protein is one of the top priorities among consumers who are

trying to change their dietary patterns.

And this is according to the most recent Consumer Survey from the International Food Information

Council, I think.

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