The metabolic condition Trimethylaminuria occurs when an individual cannot convert Trimethylamine into a compound that is called Trimethylamine N-oxide. Trimethylaminuria, has only been granted scientific recognition over the last thirty years.
The fishy smell of fish is caused by Trimethylamine. Trimethylamine N-oxide has no smell.
When a patient suffers from Trimethylaminuria, Trimethylamine will build up in a patient’s body then the Trimethylamine will be expelled in urine, sweat and bodily fluids, and on the breath, emitting a pungent odour of fish. Some people suffering from this condition will emit a strong smell continuously, but the smell will vary in intensity at different times and usually will not be particularly strong. Apart from this telltale fishy smell an individual with Trimethylaminuria will otherwise be quite healthy.
Trimethylaminuria appears to affect women more than men, although science has no explanation for this. One theory, however, is that oestrogen and progesterone, female hormones might aggravate the symptoms. Several reports have concluded that symptoms can worsen at the time of puberty and there is also evidence that symptoms get worse just prior to and during a woman’s menstrual period, while she is taking oral contraception and around the time that she enters menopause.
Blood London have been providing Trimethylaminuria(TMAU) Testing UK on a self-referral basis to patients in Central and Greater London for over 20 years. Simply walk-in weekdays between 9am and 6pm or on weekends between 10am and 2pm, to have your blood taken by a highly experienced professional in our private, Harley Street clinic using some of the best labs in europe.
Please note that when ordering blood tests on a self-request basis, we will forward you the laboratory report without note or comment from our doctors unless you are under their care.
Following the results of your test, if you would like to undergo a consultation, further testing or treatment please feel free to reach out to the clinic and we'll be happy to help.
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method
