What is trimethylaminuria?
Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a compound derived from the diet that has a strong odor of rotting fish. As trimethylamine builds up in the body, it causes affected people to give off a fish-like odor in their sweat, urine, and breath. The intensity of this odor may vary over time. The strong body odor can interfere with many aspects of daily life, affecting a person’s relationships, social life, and career. Some people with trimethylaminuria experience depression and social isolation as a result of this condition. Although gene mutations account for most cases of trimethylaminuria, the condition can also be caused by other factors. A fish-like body odor may result from an excess of certain proteins in the diet or from an increase in bacteria that normally produce trimethylamine in the digestive system. A few cases of the disorder have been identified in adults with liver or kidney disease. Temporary symptoms of this condition h
Trimethylaminuria is a metabolic condition in which an individual is not able to convert trimethylamine into a compound called trimethylamine N-oxide. Trimethylamine is the compound that gives fish the fishy odor. Trimethylamine N-oxide does not smell. Trimethylaminuria, has been around for centuries, but has only gained scientific recognition and support in the past 30 years.
