Strong body odor Linked to Genetic Disorder

Strong body odor Linked to Genetic Disorder

Strong body odor - A study has been discovered linking body odor and genetics. For a few people, the unexplained body odor has something to do with fish-odor syndrome, a genetic disorder.  Clinically the disorder is known as trimethylaminuria which is caused by the too much emission of trimethylamine (TMA) compound.

Food rich in choline such as eggs, saltwater fish, liver, some legumes contributes in the production of more TMA as those foods are being digested in the body. Despite good and proper hygiene, people with trimethylaminuria, a metabolic disorder, cannot prevent their bodies from sporadically producing malodors. Paul Wise, study leader, said that trimethylaminuria is hard to diagnose unless individuals will undergo specialized tests.

Trimethylamunuria disorder has already been linked by the scientists in the defect in FMO3 gene, hindering our bodies from metabolizing TMA and thus failing to transform the compounds into odor-free bi-products. Only 10 to 15% of people with trimethylaminuria have a strong fishy smell causing a tougher diagnosis for the disorder.

For one to have the genetic disorder, the person must have inherited the FMO3 defective gene from both his/her parents. Parents who are unaffected carriers may also pass the disorder aside from those with have also been suffering from the disorder.

Posted by James Fried on Friday September 16 2011, 8:10 AM EST. Ref: Yahoo. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0