Omnivores compared to vegans and vegetarians typically have elevated levels of which substance?

The correct response highlights the difference in dietary patterns and their impact on microbiome metabolites. Omnivores are typically exposed to a wider variety of animal-based foods, which significantly impacts health markers, including the production of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This compound arises from the metabolism of dietary choline and L-carnitine found in animal products, particularly red meat.

Vegans and vegetarians, on the other hand, consume predominantly plant-based diets, which generally lead to lower levels of TMAO due to the absence of these specific animal-derived nutrients. Lower TMAO levels in these groups are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases since elevated TMAO levels have been linked to atherosclerosis and other health issues.

The other substances mentioned, such as plasma cholesterol, fecal lochia, and plasma IGF-I, may have different relationships with diet but do not as directly correlate to the differences seen between omnivores and those following plant-based diets as TMAO does. For instance, while it's true that omnivores may have higher plasma cholesterol, this is often dependent on individual dietary choices rather than a definitive trait of all omnivorous diets. Fecal lochia is not a relevant measurable