What is the TMAU

Trimethylaminuria (TMAUalso known as "fish odour syndrome", is a metabolic disorder that involves the release of a strong, unpleasant smell comparable to that of rotten fish.

The syndrome is due to impaired metabolism of trimethylamine (TMA), a malodorous tertiary amine, normally oxidized by monooxygenase-3 (FMO3) containing flavin into odorless trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO).
Trimethylamine accumulates in the body due to lack of transformation and is released externally through urine, sweat, breath, saliva and vaginal secretions.

Bibliographic Insights

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