Living With Trimethylaminuria Or TMAU
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome, is a genetic condition that affects the production of the enzyme Flavin (FMO3).
When FMO3 is not working, the body has trouble breaking down Trimethylamine, a product of the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
Trimethylamine is ingested as part of the diet, and is the substance mainly responsible for the odor associated with fouling fish, bacterial vagina infections, and bad breath.
It is also associated with taking large doses of choline (an organic compound grouped within the vitamin B complex) and carnitine (an amino acid used by the body to digest and dispose of fat).
When trimethylamine isn’t broken down properly, it builds up and is excreted through sweat glands and the urinary tract.
People with the condition usually suffer from fishy body odors, and this can be socially debilitating.
While there are currently no known cures for the condition, the following can help to reduce symptoms:
- Avoiding foods such as eggs, legumes, certain meats, fish, and foods that contain choline, nitrogen, and sulfur.
- Taking low doses of antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in the stomach.
- Using soaps with a moderate pH, between 5.5 and 6.5.
Some people have reported that drinking extra water, going on a liver cleansing diet and using charcoal tablets can help.
At this time I haven’t found any data or test results that back this up.
Soap and Ph Levels
Because human skin has a ph level of 5.5, it’s recommended that soaps and cleansers be as close as possible to that level.
Soap contains lye, which is an alkaline substance, and too much of it can damage your skin.
Litmus paper can give the exact ph level of soap.
Wikipedia References
Trimethylaminuria
Trimethylamine
Carnitine
Choline
Please Note:
This article is presented as a general guide only and follows a discussion with friends about the condition.
People with concerns about this illness should consult their health professional!
Self diagnosis can be dangerous, and any treatments should be discussed with your health professional before using them.
OK I don’t understand if I have this tmau disorder or not, because when I sweat I smell it and other people say they do also but when I don’t sweat, I don’t smell anything but others say they do.
Even when I bath I always smell it, especially when I’m washing my bathtub.
And it is of a strong fishy odor. Even my urine smells also but I cant smell it but other people say they smell it every time I pee.
This never use to happen to me before. until i started puberty so i decided to see physician if i really do have this disorder or not and when my test came back my doctor say it came out negative as in I don’t have it but he gave me some antibiotics thinking maybe that will kill off the smell but still nothing.
So I’m wondering what is going on with me. I don’t know if the doctor is wrong or maybe he didn’t test it right or maybe I have just have another kind of disease.
Can anyone help me? I’m a 15 year old girl and im moving to a new school and want to start off without this problem I had with my old school… somebody help me please
Mary, I’m not a doctor, and I wrote this article as a starting point to learn more about TMAU for myself.
All I can say is that while I am not a doctor, and can’t give medical advice, I am a father, so I will say to you what I would say to my own daughter, if that is ok by you?
First, I’d look at my diet if I were you. In the post I mention avoiding foods such as eggs, legumes and fish.
Make a list of the foods you eat, and if you are eating a lot of those types of food, try swapping them for something else.
I also wrote about trying to avoid foods that contain large amounts of choline, nitrogen, and sulfur.
You could do a search on Google for these, and work through your diet again, and see what you can cut out.
I’m guessing that the doctor gave you a low dose of antibiotics to try and reduce the amount of bacteria in the stomach.
The next thing I’d do is do a search on soaps, and find a brand with a moderate pH, between 5.5 and 6.5.
If you cut down on certain foods, make sure that you replace them with something else.
I’d go back to the doctor, or another one if you don’t feel that the last one was a real help. Talk to her/him about your problem, how you feel, and what you can do.
Maybe, with the right adjustment to diet, low ph soaps and treatment from your medical professional, things will turn around for you.
Once again: Please, talk to your doctor about what I have written here, as I am not a doctor, and don’t profess to have the answers.
It is possible that there is something else causing your symptoms, and the only way to find out is by getting your doctor to check.
Remember, your health professional is the one that has the training and experience to help you – as I said before, I am answering you in the same way I would to my own daughter.
All the best with it,
Allan
Ever sence puberty other people and I have noticed that I am producing a fishy smell. It has gotten so bad kids have started making fun of me and now I hardly have a social life. I’m too shy, scared, and embarrassed to tell anyone. Can you please give me some advise.
I smell of ammonia every day no matter what I eat. or don’t eat…
I was diagnosed at 11 with TMAU. One of the most frustrating things about it is you can’t smell it yourself—sensory adaptation kicks in. (Well I can’t smell it on myself.) I’m utterly paranoid, but I refuse to let it totally control my life. I find hand sanitizer helps kill the smell—for me, it’s worst on my hands. The reality is, it’s a tough disease because it is embarrassing and unpredictable, but you can live with it and have a pretty normal life. I’ve never met or talked to anyone else with TMAU but if I can help anyone else cope, I’ll be glad to.