Researchers studied how certain foods eaten by women after menopause affect chemicals in the body that might increase heart disease risk. They found that eating patterns high in red meat, eggs, and dairy products can create a substance called TMAO in the body, which may harm blood vessels and increase inflammation. This study helps explain why some eating patterns are linked to heart problems and could help doctors give better advice about which foods to eat or avoid for heart health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating certain foods affects body chemicals that might increase the risk of heart disease in women after menopause
  • Who participated: Postmenopausal women (specific number not provided in available information), studied to understand their eating patterns and body chemistry
  • Key finding: Eating patterns high in red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy products create more of a substance called TMAO in the body, which appears to increase inflammation and may damage blood vessel health
  • What it means for you: If you’re a postmenopausal woman, paying attention to how much red meat, eggs, and dairy you eat might help protect your heart. However, this is one study, and you should talk to your doctor before making major diet changes

The Research Details

Scientists looked at the eating habits and blood chemistry of postmenopausal women to understand how food choices affect the body. They measured levels of TMAO—a substance created when the body breaks down certain nutrients found mainly in animal products. By studying the patterns between what women ate and the chemicals in their blood, researchers could see which foods were most likely to increase TMAO levels.

This type of study is like taking a snapshot of people’s diets and health at one point in time, rather than following them over many years. The researchers used advanced lab techniques to measure many different chemicals in the blood, which helps them understand the bigger picture of how food affects the body.

Understanding which foods create TMAO is important because TMAO has been linked to heart disease in previous research. By identifying the specific eating patterns that cause high TMAO levels, doctors can give better advice to women about which foods might protect their hearts. This research bridges the gap between what we eat and what happens inside our bodies.

This study was published in a respected nutrition science journal, which means it went through expert review. However, the specific sample size wasn’t provided in the available information, which makes it harder to judge how reliable the results might be. The study focused only on postmenopausal women, so results may not apply to other groups. Like all single studies, these findings need to be confirmed by other research before making major health decisions.

What the Results Show

The research found that women who ate more red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy products had higher levels of TMAO in their blood. TMAO is a substance that forms when bacteria in the gut break down certain nutrients called choline and carnitine, which are abundant in animal products. Higher TMAO levels have been associated with increased inflammation in the body and damage to blood vessel walls.

The study also found that these eating patterns were linked to other harmful changes in blood chemistry. Women with high-TMAO eating patterns showed signs of increased inflammation and other markers that suggest higher heart disease risk. The connection between the foods eaten and the chemicals measured in the blood was clear and measurable.

Beyond TMAO, the researchers measured many other chemicals in the blood and found that the high-TMAO eating pattern was associated with several other unhealthy changes. These included markers of inflammation and other substances linked to heart disease. This suggests that the harmful effects of these eating patterns go beyond just TMAO production.

Previous research has shown that TMAO is linked to heart disease risk, but this study helps explain how eating patterns create TMAO in the first place. Other studies have suggested that vegetarian diets produce less TMAO, and this research supports that idea by showing which specific animal products are most problematic. The findings fit with existing knowledge about why some diets are better for heart health than others.

The study only included postmenopausal women, so we don’t know if the same patterns apply to younger women, men, or other groups. The sample size wasn’t clearly stated, which affects how confident we can be in the results. This was a snapshot study rather than following women over time, so we can’t be sure that high TMAO directly causes heart disease—only that they’re connected. The study doesn’t tell us how much of these foods is too much or whether small amounts are safe.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, postmenopausal women might consider eating less red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy products to reduce TMAO levels and lower heart disease risk. Instead, eating more plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes may be protective. However, this is one study, and the evidence is moderate—not definitive. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian before making major diet changes, especially if you have existing health conditions.

This research is most relevant to postmenopausal women concerned about heart health. It may also be useful for women with a family history of heart disease or those with high cholesterol. The findings might apply to men and younger women, but more research is needed to confirm this. People with certain medical conditions should consult their doctor before changing their diet based on this research.

Changes in TMAO levels might happen within weeks of changing your diet, but improvements in heart health markers typically take several months to show up. You might notice other benefits like more energy or better digestion sooner, but give any diet change at least 8-12 weeks before deciding if it’s working for you.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily servings of red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy products (aim to log amounts in ounces or servings). Also track plant-based protein sources like beans, nuts, and tofu to see if you’re shifting toward a more heart-healthy pattern.
  • Set a goal to replace one animal-based protein source per day with a plant-based option. For example, swap ground beef tacos for black bean tacos, or replace eggs with oatmeal for breakfast. Use the app to log this swap and track how many days you succeed.
  • Weekly, review your ratio of animal products to plant-based foods. Set a target like ‘reduce red meat to 2 times per week’ and track progress. If you get blood work done, note your cholesterol and inflammation markers to see if dietary changes correlate with improvements over 3-6 months.

This research suggests a connection between certain eating patterns and heart disease risk factors, but it does not prove that these foods directly cause heart disease. Individual responses to diet vary greatly based on genetics, overall health, medications, and other factors. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, or take medications, consult with your healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.