Metabolic disorder can cause body odor
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia say an undetected metabolic disorder might cause unpleasant body odor in some people.
A study of 353 people with unexplained bad body odor showed that 118 of them had a hereditary metabolic disorder called trimethylaminuria (TMAU), HealthDay reported.
The condition, also known as fish odor syndrome or fish malodor syndrome, is a rare metabolic disorder in which an individual is not able to break down trimethylamine (TMA) into smaller compounds.
Foods rich in choline, such as organ meats, eggs, certain legumes and saltwater fish produce TMA in the body and people who have a problem in metabolizing the chemical release it in sweat, urine, reproductive fluids, saliva and breath.
Strong body odor can interfere with many aspects of daily life, affecting a person’s relationships, social life, and career, causing depression and social isolation.
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia found that while many of the participants give off ”garbage-like” but not fish-like odor, about one third or 30 percent of them suffered from TMAU.
According to the study published in the The American Journal of Medicine, lower concentrations of TMA may produce a "garbage-like" odor instead of the better-known fishy smell.
Researchers suggested that their finding may lead to better diagnosis of patients with TMAU and help them get the treatment and ward off problems caused by their unpleasant condition.
Although there is no known cure or treatment for the disorder, some patients live relatively normal lives by managing their symptoms and with counseling.
Dietary changes and using specific medications including some antibiotics are among the ways that can help patients suffering from TMAU.
Source: presstv.ir
