Trimethylamine N-oxide Effects of a Pomegranate Supplement Simultaneously With Carnitine (TESSA)

The TESSA study is a 18 day randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-arm crossover pilot study conducted at the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Norfolk Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in the Quadram Institute in Norwich. Investigators are seeking men and women over the age of 18 years who habitually consume meat, fish, and/or eggs and are TMAO producers to determine whether pomegranate extract affects L-carnitine metabolism compared to a matched placebo. This study is conducted in two phases. The first phase involves two study visits where investigators will identify and invite TMAO producing individuals to continue to the second phase of this study. Moreover, investigators will ask the participant to complete a food frequency questionnaire. The second phase involves two intervention periods which are separated by a 10 day washout. Each intervention period begins with a run-in followed by three study visits. Investigators will precisely quantify the absorption (blood plasma concentrations over time, pharmacokinetic study) and metabolism of L-carnitine and its products of metabolism which includes TMAO. Additionally, investigators will examine pomegranate metabolism and excretion with timed urine collections and stool samples.

Participants will consume three L-carnitine capsules at the first visit during the first phase. In the second phase, participants will consume L-carnitine capsules with the intervention capsules (pomegranate extract or placebo) for the first intervention period then after the washout period, participants will crossover and consume L-carnitine capsules with the other intervention capsules for the second intervention period. For each intervention period, three L-carnitine capsules with four intervention capsules at the first visit following the run-in. During the second phase starting at the run-in period participants will be asked to follow a standardized, controlled diet which will be low in choline, L-carnitine, and ellagitannins.

Inclusion criteria

(First phase):

• Individuals who regularly eat meat (4 portions of meat per week for at least 2 months prior to enrolment in the study).
• Aged 18 and older.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 - 30 kg/m2.
• Living within 40 miles from the Norwich Research Park.

Inclusion criteria

(Second phase)

• meets first phase inclusion criteria
• TMAO producer (plasma TMAO increase of >5 µM and >50% after L-carnitine ingestion.

Exclusion criteria

• Consume an entirely vegan, vegetarian, or pescatarian diet within the last two months.
• Do not have access to a freezer to store some provided meals and ice packs.
• Have a known allergy to the tablets, capsules (i.e., pomegranate), or standardised meals such as wheat, eggs, milk, nuts, and soybeans.
• Have difficulty swallowing, a swallowing disorder, or are unable to swallow four capsules (the size of a peanut) and three L carnitine tablets consecutively within a time span of ten minutes.
• Have bowel movements less than five times a week.
• Are a current smoker (or stopped smoking for less than 3 months).
• Consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week (for example, a pint of beer or a 175 mL glass of wine each count as two units).
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Have anaemia or any conditions or medications that may hinder clotting. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Have high or low blood pressure (i.e., ≤90/60 or ≥160/100 mmHg).
• Have a medical condition or take medications that may affect the primary outcome of this study, such as but not limited to diabetes, liver disease, hypo/hyperthyroidism, or fish odour syndrome. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Have had gastrointestinal disease or surgical procedures that may affect the primary outcome of this study. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Have known or a history of kidney disease, this will be determined by the medical advisor using blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in the participant's blood.
• Regularly use bowel cleansing techniques like colonic irrigation or laxatives.
• Had an infection or received antibiotics within a month prior to this study.
• Regularly take dietary supplements that may affect the primary outcome measure of this study, such as fish oil or L carnitine supplements.
• Are currently undergoing active treatment for cancer or heart disease.
• Participated in another dietary intervention study within the last four months.
• Have donated a large quantity of blood within the last 16 weeks. Registered donors should abstain from blood donations for the duration of the study.
• Are a person related to or living with a member of the study team.
• Are unable to give written or verbal informed consent.
• Participant is unable to provide GP (General Practitioner) contact details.
• Have symptoms of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19), been asked to self-isolate, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.