Cleveland Clinic researchers have discovered a connection between elevated blood levels of TMAO (trimethylamine N oxide)a byproduct of gut bacteria digestion of nutrients found in red meat and other animal productsand a higher Butyrobetaine Is a Proatherogenic Intermediate in Gut Microbial Metabolism of L Carnitine to TMAO ScienceDirect New Way Red Meats and Eggs Promote Atherosclerosis Food and Health Communications Mechanisms Plant Based Diets Reverse Atherosclerosis