- Trimethylamine-N-oxide has been shown to induce arteriosclerosis in mice
- L-Carnitine in red meat is digested by a particular bacteria which releases trimethylamine-N-oxide.
Some paradox facts:
Dr. Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and epidemiologist, studies the health effects of dietary habits and other lifestyle factors in large populations. His team has previously pooled the findings of the best studies available on red meat and health and found that people who eat unprocessed red meat regularly have, at worst, only a slightly higher risk of developing heart disease. Unprocessed red meat includes virtually all fresh cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and the like.
So it appears processed meat is the worst of the worst? Sausages, hamburgers, etc?
In the bigger picture, we do have pretty damning evidence about the harms of eating a particular type of meat. “Processed red meats—bacon, sausage, salami, deli meats—are associated with much higher risk of heart disease,” Dr. Mozaffarian says.
So it's processed meat? What about processed foods in general? Could it go beyond just meat?
“Based on the Nature Medicine study, I’d be concerned about taking L-carnitine supplements,” Dr. Mozaffarian says. “There was no strong reason to take such supplements before the study, and now this well-done study suggests there may be harm. I would definitely think three times before taking an L-carnitine supplement.” The studies in the Mayo report were mostly small with short follow-up, and included only heart attack survivors.
This is a good point. L-carnitine does have useful properties for health but if it's with heart disease risk then perhaps the risk outweigh the benefits gained? It's up to you.