Diseases

Trimethylaminuria

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Trimethylaminuria is a disorder in which the body is unable to break down trimethylamine, a chemical compound that has a pungent odor. Trimethylamine has been described as smelling like rotting fish, rotting eggs, garbage, or urine.

SYMPTOMS

Trimethylaminuria is characterized primarily by a fishy odor that occurs whenexcess trimethylamine is released in the person's sweat, urine, reproductive fluids, and breath. Although some affected people may have a constant strong odor, most have a moderate odor that can vary in intensity.

CAUSES

Although fmo3 gene mutations account for most cases of trimethylaminuria, the condition can also be caused by other factors. The strong body odor may result from an excess of certain proteins in the diet or from an abnormal increase in bacteria that produce trimethylamine in the digestive system.