Epidemiological data in short term studies, suggests that egg intake does not increase risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, eggs are a great source of phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine) where choline has many metabolic roles, specially in lipid metabolism and cell membrane structure. Choline is present in the diet as free choline, which is absorbed in the small intestines, or choline esters, which is absorbed intact primarily through the lymphatic system. In addition, recent evidence suggests that the choline found in eggs may be metabolized by intestinal microbes into trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound that may increase the risk for CVD. However, it is not known to what extent egg intake may contribute to plasma TMAO concentrations.