How do vegans affect their intestinal bacteria concerning TMAO production?

Vegans affect their intestinal bacteria concerning TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide) production primarily due to dietary differences that impact the gut microbiome. Specifically, the absence of certain bacteria that metabolize dietary components found primarily in animal products, such as carnitine and choline, means that vegans produce lower levels of TMAO.

TMAO is produced in the liver from trimethylamine (TMA), and TMA is produced by gut bacteria during the breakdown of those nutrients found predominantly in meat and other animal products. Since vegans typically have a plant-based diet that does not include these compounds, they naturally do not harbor the specific bacteria required for TMA production, thereby reducing TMAO levels in the body.

In contrast, individuals consuming diets high in red meat and dairy have gut microbiomes that facilitate higher TMAO production due to the presence of those bacteria. This shows the interplay between diet, microbiome composition, and metabolic outcomes such as TMAO levels, which are linked to cardiovascular health.

The other options relate to factors that do not accurately reflect the impact of a vegan diet on intestinal bacteria and TMAO production.