TMAO and Its Surprising Link to Fatty Liver Disease
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) might not be a household name, but it’s gaining attention in the world of health and wellness. This compound, produced by gut bacteria when we digest certain foods, is emerging as a key factor in the development of chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (now called “metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease” or MAFLD). Understanding how TMAO contributes to this condition could help you take proactive steps to protect your liver and overall health.
What is a Fatty Liver?
The term Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) was an umbrella term for a spectrum of chronic liver conditions, characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the cells of the liver. The term non-alcoholic was used because this type of liver disease is occurring in people who do not consume alcohol, such as children.
