Intestinal microbial metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and cardiovascular risk.
W H Wilson Tang, Zeneng Wang, Bruce S Levison...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23614584/Actively Recruiting
Led by The Cleveland Clinic · Updated on 2026-06-25
170
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are investigating how gut flora-associated metabolites, specifically trimethylamine-N-oxide TMAO, relate to cardiovascular risk and whether dietary changes can reduce TMAO levels. This pilot human study aims to understand the production of TMAO from gut flora in people with different circulating TMAO levels and to test if tailored diets can lower TMAO generation in those with elevated levels. Participants are assigned to one of three dietary interventions a Mediterranean Low-TMAO MeLT diet, a Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes TLC diet based on American Heart Association guidelines, or a MeLT diet with TMAO levels provided to participants for guidance. These diets are applied across different cohorts with the intervention lasting for 12 weeks. During the study, participants follow their assigned diet and are monitored for changes in TMAO levels from baseline to 12 weeks. Researchers assess TMAO generation using stable-isotope-labelled nutrients and evaluate the impact of dietary changes on cardiovascular risk factors. Participants also maintain consistent aspirin use or abstinence as per study requirements. The study includes screening, dietary intervention, and follow-up assessments to measure outcomes and ensure safety.
CONDITIONS
Gut Flora Metabolite Reduction After Dietary Intervention (GRADY)
J
Jennifer Wilcox, BA
V
Valesha Province, MA
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The Cleveland Clinic
Lead Sponsor
This table compares participation in this trial with other options available for this condition. The information is drawn from published research and the trial’s study details and is provided for educational purposes only.
| Factors | Mediterranean diet low in TMAO | Standard AHA dietary counseling |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A Mediterranean-style diet intervention with foods specifically low in TMAO, aimed to reduce gut-derived metabolites implicated in cardiovascular risk. | Standard dietary counseling based on American Heart Association 'Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes', focusing on traditional cardiovascular risk reduction guidelines. |
| Role in trial | Investigational dietary intervention aiming to lower TMAO levels and potentially reduce cardiovascular risk. | Active comparator arm following AHA recommendations to provide a benchmark for cardiovascular risk reduction. |
| Primary use | Designed to lower TMAO levels via Mediterranean food choices and investigate impact on cardiovascular risk. | Used as established guideline-based approach to dietary modification for cardiovascular risk reduction. |
| How it is given or performed | Participants receive counseling and meal guidance for Mediterranean diet low in TMAO foods over a 12-week period. | Participants receive counseling according to standard AHA TLC dietary guidelines for 12 weeks. |
| Evidence status | Ongoing investigation; final clinical outcome evidence is not yet established. Published studies support a mechanistic link between TMAO reduction and cardiovascular risk, but definitive benefit of this diet awaits trial results. | Well-established as a guideline-supported approach for cardiovascular risk reduction. Numerous studies show standard dietary counseling lowers cardiovascular risk, though clinical benefit may depend on patient adherence. |
| Important limitations | The main limitation is ongoing investigation; clinical effectiveness for risk reduction remains to be proven. Behavioral adherence and variability in gut microbiome response may impact outcomes. | Benefits rely heavily on patient adherence to recommended guidelines. Dietary counseling outcomes can be variable and may not address specific TMAO reduction. Outcomes can depend on individual dietary habits and baseline risk. |
Disclaimer: This comparison is created with the help of artificial intelligence(AI) and may contain errors or missing information. It is not medical advice and does not mean one option is better or safer than another. Clinical trials are still being studied, and joining a trial is your choice. Please consult your healthcare professional before making any decisions.
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 screening visit
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants follow one of three assigned diets to study the effect on TMAO levels.
Regular follow-up visits during the diet period
Duration - Up to 12 weeks after intervention
Researchers evaluate changes in TMAO levels and assess participant health after dietary intervention.
Follow-up visits to measure outcomes
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17375117/The Cleveland Clinic
Lead Sponsor