Human Body Presentation

The fish odor symptom

the guide to help you

Between 300 and 600 people affected in the world, what if you were too?

Symtom: An unpleasant smell

Deterioration ?

When ?

What ?

If you feel concerned, click here to see the causes

What is happening?

Is this hereditary ?

The unability to turn the strong smelling trimethylamine into a chemical that doesn't smell

In some cases, this is caused by a faulty gene a person has inherited from their parents.

Causes

click here to understand the process !

click here !

WHAT ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN?

Who discovered it ?

click here!

click here !

Click here if you want to see the treatments

Treatments for trimethylaminuria

There's currently no cure for trimethylaminuria, but some things might help with the smell.

Emmotional suppoirt

Other things you can do

Treatments from a doctor

Foods to avoid

It can help to avoid certain foods that make the smell worse, such as:

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Your specialist can refer you to a dietitian for advice. They'll help you make sure your diet still contains all the nutrients you need.

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Your doctor may recommend:

short courses of antibiotics – this can help reduce the amount of trimethylamine produced in your gut

taking certain supplements – such as charcoal or riboflavin (vitamin B2)

1) food makes its way into the gut during the digestion process

2) Bacteria break down these food which produces a strong-smelling chemical called trimethylamine

3) Because trimethylamine is not turn into a different chemical, it builds up in the body and gets into bodily fluids

bacteria

trimethylamine

food

First clinical cases

The first clinical description of this metabolic disorder, by James Hubert, dates back to 1970 in an article published in the British weekly The Lancet. This clinical case concerned a six-year-old child whose mother also presented, at times, a fishy odor.

Did you know?William Shakespeare may have known an individual with trimethylaminuria and used it to describe the fishy-smelling slave Caliban in the play The Tempest.

James Hubert and a representation of Caliban

FMO3 gene

Many people with trimethylaminuria inherit a faulty version of a gene called FMO3 from both their parents. This gene is located on the long arm of chromosome 1. This gene produces FMO3, the enzyme capable to turn trimethylamine into different chemicals. This faulty version creates an imbalance in the production and activity of FMO3, which results in a buildup of trimethylamine in the body. Some mutations result in the complete inhibition of the action of the FMO3 gene, while other minor genetic variations result in less severe clinical forms. More than 40 mutations have been discovered to date.

Support Many people find living with trimethylaminuria difficult. Feelings of isolation, embarrassment and depression are common.

Tell your doctor if you're struggling to cope. They may recommend seeing a counsellor for emotional support.

Trimethylaminuria and family, a possibility?

Your parents might only have 1 copy of the faulty gene. This is known as being a "carrier". They usually won't have symptoms, although some may temporary ones. If you have trimethylaminuria, any children you have will be carriers of the faulty gene. There's only a risk they could be born with the condition if your partner is also a carrier. Genetic counselling may help you understand the risks of passing trimethylaminuria on to any children you have.

It can also be helpful to:

• avoid strenuous exercise – try gentle exercises that don't make you sweat as much

• try to find ways to relax – stress can make your symptoms worse

• wash your skin with slightly acidic soap or shampoo – look for products with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5

• use anti-perspirant

• wash your clothes frequently