Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.

How do I know if I have TMAU?

A urine test is used to diagnose trimethylaminuria. The person's urine is tested to look for higher levels of trimethylamine. Testing can be done by giving choline by mouth followed by urine collection a certain number of times over a 24 hour period.

How do I get rid of TMAU?

Treatment for trimethylaminuria is focused on removing and preventing the bad odor. Options for treatment include diet modification, vitamin B12 (riboflavin) supplements, antibiotic treatment, and probiotics. Other supplements such as activated charcoal can help remove extra trimethylamine from the body.