TMAU - Trimethylaminuria - Fishy Body Odor Causes and Treatment
Information provided by Sally Kennedy - Published: 2009-04-26
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare metabolic disorder also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome.
TMAU causes a defect in the normal production of the enzyme Flavin containing monooxygenase 3. Trimethylamine builds up in the body of patients with trimethylaminuria. The trimethylamine gets released in the person's sweat, urine, reproductive fluids, and breath, giving off a strong fishy or body odor.
Trimethylaminuria affects men, women and children, from newborns to the elderly in most countries around the world. TMAU is listed as a "rare disease" by the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This means that TMAU, or a subtype of TMAU, affects less than 200,000 people in the US population.
The condition seems to be more common in women than men, for unknown reasons. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, scientists believe that it could be due to the higher levels of female sex hormones such as progesterone and/or estrogen, aggravate symptoms.
Currently, there is no cure and treatment options are limited for TMAU. It is possible for some people with this condition to live relatively normal, healthy lives without the fear of being shunned because of their unpleasant odor. Getting tested is an important first step as a simple urine test will give you the answer; a blood test is available to provide genetic analysis. The prominent enzyme responsible for TMA N-oxygenation is the FMO3 gene.
Ways of reducing the fishy odor include:
Using slightly acidic detergents with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Taking low doses of antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in the gut.
Avoid foods that have trimethylamine, choline, lecithin and trimethylamine N-oxide in them. These foods can include milk from wheat fed cows, eggs, liver, beans, peas, peanuts, soy products, cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and seafood.
One study has suggests the daily intake of charcoal and/or copper chlorophyllin may be of significant use in improving the quality of life of individuals suffering mild forms of TMAU. Success rates varied.
Assistance:
US Foundation - The Trimethylaminuria Foundation is a 501 3 (C) non-profit corporation. The address is P.O. BOX 3361, Grand Central Station, New York, NY, 10163. Telephone: 212-300-4168.
Australian Foundation - A non-profit, charitable foundation with tax free status and tax deductibility against income for donors. 8 Ingram Street, Kensington, NSW 2033, AUSTRALIA Phone: 61 2 9663 0431
- This web page is from the Disabled World Health and Disability section which provides: Information on disability health related topics including male and female health issues and diseases that can result in disabilities.
