How the Body and Gut Bacteria Work Together to Produce Trimethylamine and Its Related Compound, Influencing Health and Disease

Flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) is responsible for converting trimethylamine (TMA) into nonodorous TMA N-oxide (TMAO), which is excreted in urine.

• Impaired FMO3 activity leads to primary trimethylaminuria (TMAU), resulting in excessive excretion of TMA.
• Dysbiosis in gut bacteria can contribute to secondary TMAU by altering TMA production.
• Dietary components significantly influence TMA levels through their interaction with gut bacteria.
• TMAO, the product of FMO3 activity, may be linked to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disorders.
• The microbiome-host axis involving TMA and TMAO is critical for understanding health and disease management.

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