The relationship between dietary choline, gut bacteria, and heart rhythm disorders.

Genes and Nutrition: Dietary Choline, the Gut Microbiota, and Atrial Fibrillation

NIH-funded research Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-10896388

This study is looking at how the nutrient choline in our food affects gut bacteria and may play a role in heart rhythm problems like atrial fibrillation, and it invites patients to share their diet and health information to help find better ways to treat this condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896388 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how dietary choline, a nutrient found in foods, interacts with gut microbiota and contributes to atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which gut bacteria metabolize choline into substances that may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. By examining the links between diet, gut health, and heart rhythm, the research seeks to identify new treatment pathways for AF that could improve patient outcomes. Patients may be involved in providing dietary information and biological samples to help elucidate these connections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for atrial fibrillation, particularly those with obesity, a history of alcohol abuse, or other cardiovascular risk factors.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have atrial fibrillation or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new dietary recommendations or treatments that reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and its complications.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results linking gut microbiota and cardiovascular health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.