Fish Odor Syndrome

Fish Odor Syndrome

Trimethylaminuria, or more commonly known as Fish Odor Syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the FM03 gene, and is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. The name for this disorder comes from the body odor of the affected person, which smells like fish. As trimethylamine builds up in the body, the affected person will give off a fish-like odor in their sweat, urine, and breath. The only way to deal with the stench is to maintain a dietary restriction of trimethylamine (present in milk from wheat-fed cows) and its precursors, which include choline and brassicas. There are a number of online support groups for people with Fish Odor Syndrome, but there are no major research groups.