In this Article

• Fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria) facts*
• What is fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• What are the signs and symptoms of fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• What causes fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• How common is fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• What genes are related to fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• How do people inherit fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• Where can I find information about diagnosis, management, or treatment of fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• Where can I find additional information about fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• What other names do people use for fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• What if I still have specific questions about fish odor syndrome (trimethylaminuria)?
• Patient Comments: Fish Odor Syndrome - Signs and Symptoms
• Find a local Doctor in your town
• Fish Odor Syndrome (Trimethylaminuria) Index

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 have been reported in a small number of premature infants and in some healthy women at the start of menstruation.