> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.foodconsumer.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Component of Animal Products Increases Risk of Heart Disease
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/heart_disease_risk_0426130656/
- Published: 2013-04-26T19:55:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T13:54:26.000Z
- Description: A New England Journal of Medicine study of 4,007 people found those with the highest levels of a byproduct of dietary choline, abundant in animal products, were 2.5 times as likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or death. The authors note a vegetarian or high-fiber diet cuts choline intake.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Heart & Blood, Avoiding Illness, #vivvo-import

A byproduct of dietary choline, a component abundantly present in animal products, can lead to greater risk for heart attack, stroke, and death, according to a new study published in the *New England Journal of Medicine*. Researchers followed 4,007 participants and found that those who had the highest levels of these byproducts were 2.5 times as likely to suffer from an adverse cardiovascular event, compared with those who had the lowest levels. The authors point out that a vegetarian or high-fiber diet can reduce choline intake and modulate the risk for heart disease.

Another [recent study](http://support.pcrm.org/site/R?i=tlahof-eRj%5F%5FyNMKseBYIw&ref=foodconsumer.org) showed a similar mechanism for carnitine-rich meat products and heart disease.

Tang WHW, Wang Z, Levison BS, et al. Intestinal microbial metabolism of phosphatidylcholine and cardiovascular risk. *N Engl J Med*. 2013;368:1575-1584.

For information about nutrition and health, please visit [www.pcrm.org/](http://support.pcrm.org/site/R?i=yFFI09TFDdoAAvJZNij8Vg&ref=foodconsumer.org).

Breaking Medical News is a service of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine,   
5100 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20016.