TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)

What this laboratory test evaluates

TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide)
This test measures the levels of TMAO in your blood, a substance linked to heart health. TMAO is produced when gut bacteria digest certain nutrients found in animal products like red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy. Understanding TMAO levels can offer insights into heart disease risks and the impact of diet on heart health.

What patients is this test right for?This test may be recommended for individuals concerned about heart disease or those interested in understanding how their diet affects heart health.

What type of sample is required for this test?1 mL serum.
A simple blood draw is needed.

Test ResourcesResources are not provided for this test.

Additional test information

Gut microbes live symbiotically within the human digestive tract and play important roles in host defense, immunity, and nutrient processing and absorption. The diverse community is unique to each person and influenced by both acute and chronic dietary exposures to various food sources. Nutrients such as phosphatidylcholine (also known as lecithin), choline, and L-carnitine are abundant in animal-derived products such as red meat, egg yolk and full-fat dairy products. When consumed, these nutrients are processed by gut bacteria resulting in the release of various metabolites including TMA (trimethylamine) into the blood. TMA is then transported to the liver where it is converted into TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) which has been shown to regulate various physiological processes involved in the development of atherosclerosis.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Serum
• Fasting: Yes
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should be available in 2 – 5 business days after the sample is collected

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.