TMAO: A Hidden Danger in Food that Accelerates Dementia

 

 

     TMAO (Trimethylamine N-Oxide) is a compound produced from the digestion of choline, lecithin, or carnitine by bacteria in the gut. It is primarily found in animal products such as meat, dairy, and fats. When consumed in excess, it increases the risk of heart disease, brain diseases, and other complications.

 

Which Foods Contribute to TMAO Formation?

• Choline Found in eggs, milk, and cheese.
• Carnitine Found in red meat such as beef, pork, and chicken.
• Lecithin Found in foods such as soybeans, oats, and chocolate.

 

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Although choline is a component of the brain chemical acetylcholine, which plays a role in memory stimulation, consuming it in excess increases the risk of dementia.

 

 

 

 

TMAO as a Biomarker

TMAO is also used by doctors as a biomarker to indicate the likelihood of developing various diseases, such as cerebrovascular disease and dementia, by assessing two key properties:

 

1.  Sensitivity

     This refers to how quickly symptoms of the disease appear after exposure to TMAO or how high the risk is for an individual to develop the condition. Factors influencing this include:

 

• Age The response varies depending on age.
• Pre-existing conditions Such as obesity and diabetes.

 

2.  Specificity

     TMAO serves as an indicator of whether an individual has or does not have a particular disease risk. While TMAO is a biological indicator used for risk prediction and prognosis, it must be used in conjunction with clinical evaluations and other biomarkers for more accurate diagnosis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Does TMAO Affect Our Health?

TMAO can have several harmful effects on health, as follows:

 

1.  Increases Plaque Buildup in Blood Vessels

     Plaque consists of fat, calcium, and other substances, which accumulates in the walls of blood vessels. TMAO acts as a “catalyst” for plaque to break loose, potentially blocking blood flow to the brain, leading to conditions such as:

 

• Carotid Artery Stenosis (narrowing of the carotid artery in the neck).
• If the plaque ruptures or forms a blood clot, it may lead to Ischemic Stroke (stroke caused by blockage of blood flow)

 

2.  Stimulates Inflammation in Blood Vessels

     TMAO contributes to inflammation in the nervous system by promoting the release of cytokines, substances associated with tissue damage in the brain. This increases the likelihood of developing dementia and can also damage blood vessel walls, leading to cerebral thrombosis (brain vessel blockage).

 

3.  Increases the Risk of Atherosclerosis

     TMAO accelerates the process of plaque buildup and increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Elevated levels of TMAO are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. Doctors diagnose these risks using MRI technology alongside vascular checks, such as Carotid Duplex.

 

 

 

 

 

Carotid Duplex

Carotid Duplex is an ultrasound examination of the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain. It is used to:

 

• Assess blood flow in the artery.
• Check for blockages or plaque buildup.
• Evaluate the risk of cerebrovascular disease and monitor treatment progress.

 

 

 

Reference : https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/social/860941

 

 

TMAO and Dementia

     TMAO disrupts protein functions in the brain, potentially triggering the accumulation of Amyloid-Beta and P-Tau proteins, which are indicators of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

 

 

 

Dietary Adjustments to Reduce Risk

You can reduce the risk associated with TMAO in the body by making dietary changes. The key principle is to consume a balanced diet and eat in moderation every day:

 

• Reduce the intake of red meat, dairy, eggs, and legumes.
• Engage in regular, appropriate physical exercise.
• Increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to prevent dementia. It is recommended to eat soft fruits like papaya, bananas, and oranges.
• Incorporate fish and other seafood into your diet to ensure a variety of nutrients.
• Avoid processed foods such as sodas, sausages, frozen meals, instant noodles, and snacks.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol.

 

Read More: 7 Ways to Delay and Prevent Dementia