The symbiotic relationship between humans and microbes is important for maintaining good health. And according to mounting evidence, dysfunctional relationships could increase susceptibility to disease (1). Here, I will use the example of trimethylamine [N-oxide] (TMA[O]), a molecule mediated through metabolism of dietary components by gut microbes, to illustrate the complexity of the microbiome.

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About the Author

Liam Heaney

Dr Liam Heaney is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Leicester’s NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit, working in the John and Lucille van Geest Biomarker Facility. Liam is a senior member of the Cardiovascular Translational Research Group headed by consultant cardiologist Professor Toru Suzuki, where he specialises in the analysis of cardiovascular disease biomarkers using non-targeted/discovery and targeted LC-MS-based metabolomics. Previously, Liam attended Loughborough University where he was awarded his BSc in Sport & Exercise Science, MSc in Exercise Physiology and later his PhD in Analytical Chemistry, using GC-MS techniques to produce a thesis entitled ‘Exhaled Breath Analysis in Exercise and Health’.