Circulating Gut Microbiota Metabolite Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) and Changes in Bone Density in Response to Weight Loss Diets: The POUNDS Lost Trial

• DOI: 10.2337/dc19-0134
• Publication Date: 2019-07-17T12:19:01Z
• Authors: Tao Zhou; Yoriko Heianza; Yuhang Chen; Xiang Li; Dianjianyi Sun; Joseph A. DiDonato; Xiaofang Pei; Meryl S. LeBoff; George A. Bray; Frank M. Sacks; Lu Qi
• Keywords: Trimethylamine N-oxide

OBJECTIVE Type 2 diabetes is related to obesity and altered bone health, both are affected by gut microbiota. We examined associations of weight loss diet–induced changes in a microbiota–related metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), its precursors (choline l-carnitine), with mineral density (BMD) considering diabetes-related factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In the 2-year Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies trial (POUNDS Lost), 264 overweight obese participants measurement BMD DXA scan were included present analysis. The randomly assigned one four diets varying macronutrient intake. Association analysis was performed pooled different diet groups. Changes blood levels TMAO, choline, l-carnitine from baseline 6 months after dietary intervention calculated. RESULTS found that greater reduction plasma TMAO associated whole-body at years (P = 0.03 P 0.02). also spine 0.005) years, independent body changes. not modified status glycemic levels. l-carnitine, precursor showed interactions fat intake regard hip (all < 0.05). Participants smallest decrease less low-fat group than high-fat (Pspine Phip CONCLUSIONS might protect against during loss, interventions content risk may modify relation between change level BMD. Our findings highlight importance investigating health patients diabetes.