The relationship between choline and increased blood clotting

New research shows that nutrients found in meat and eggs known as “choline” interact with intestinal bacteria and increase the likelihood of blood clots. Researchers found that when 18 healthy participants were given choline supplements, their production of a chemical called TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide) increased. In turn, the tendency of blood cells to clot also increased. But the researchers found that taking aspirin may reduce this risk. TMAO is produced when gut bacteria digest choline and some other substances. Previous studies have linked higher levels of TMAO in the blood with an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. These findings show for the first time that choline increases the production of TMAO in the human intestine, which leads to a higher probability of blood platelets sticking together. Choline is found in a wide range of foods; But it is mainly found in animal products such as egg yolk, veal and chicken. In this study, researchers gave 18 healthy adults choline supplements for 2 months. 10 of these people were meat eaters and 8 were vegetarians.

The supplements contained about 450 mg of choline per day, which is about the equivalent of one or three eggs. This study showed that during one month, the supplements increased the amount of TMAO up to 10 times on average. Testing of their blood samples showed that their blood platelets were highly prone to clotting. We don’t all need to be vegetarians; But it is better to eat more plant foods and limit the consumption of egg yolks, meat and other foods rich in choline and use the Mediterranean diet which is rich in olive oil, vegetables and fish. This group found that the compounds in olive oil prevent the formation of TMAO.
Source: Shafa online