Testing gut genes to predict TMAO production from red meat

Evaluation of Microbial-derived TMAO Production From Carnitine Intake by Testing Fecal Gbu Gene

NA · National Taiwan University Hospital · NCT05980884

This study is trying to see if certain gut genes can help predict how much TMAO is produced in people after eating red meat.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment230 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Taiwan University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT05980884 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical research investigates how variations in gut microbiota, specifically the presence of the gbu gene, affect the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) from dietary L-carnitine found in red meat. By conducting an oral carnitine challenge test, the study aims to determine if the abundance of the gbu gene can serve as a predictor for TMAO levels in individuals after consuming carnitine. The research focuses on understanding the link between gut dysbiosis and cardiovascular disease risk associated with red meat consumption.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 who can swallow tablets and do not have any disqualifying health conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or cardiovascular diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases based on their gut microbiota composition and TMAO production capacity.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between gut microbiota and TMAO production has been explored, this specific approach using the gbu gene is novel and has not been extensively tested in previous studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult with age between 18 to 70
* Must be able to swallow tablets

Exclusion Criteria:

* Antibiotics use within one month
* L-carnitine supplement use within one month
* Chronic diarrhea
* Myasthenia gravis
* Diabetes mellitus
* Parathyroid disorders
* Chronic kidney disease
* Epilepsy
* Severe anemia
* Cardiovascular diseases.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Gut Dysbiosis for TMAO Production From L-carnitine Consumption, gbu gene cluster, TMAO, gut microbiota, red meat, cardiovascular disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.