Effect of an acute session of intermittent exercise on trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production following choline ingestion

Abstract

Introduction: Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut bacteria-dependent metabolite associated with poor cardiovascular health. Exercise is a known cardioprotective activity but the impact of an acute bout of exercise on TMAO production is unknown. Objectives/Methods: This study assessed choline-derived production of TMAO following a single bout of intermittent exercise in a young, healthy cohort. Results: Choline supplemented after either exercise or a time-matched resting period demonstrated a similar increase in circulating TMAO across an 8-hour period. Conclusion: This suggests that a single bout of intermittent exercise does not alter gut microbial metabolic behaviour and thus does not provide additional cardioprotective benefits related to blood levels of TMAO.