l-carnitine fishy odor trimethylamine side effect FISH SYNDROME (TRIMETHYLAMINURIA), Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment Clinical significance and potential role

The key risk enhancers are genetic FMO3 variants and microbiome composition

Medical Strategies to Manage the Odor Because the odor is caused by unabsorbed L-carnitine reaching the gut bacteria, medical management strategies focus on improving absorption, reducing the supplement load, or altering the gut bacteria [6] [7]

Side effects of L-carnitine Although the vast majority of users report benefits associated with few to no side effects, others have reported unpleasant gastrointestinal distress, a fishy body odor developed through its metabolism, cardiovascular issues, and even seizures

Specific bacterial taxa, such as those from the genera Prevotella , Clostridia , and Lachnospiraceae , contribute to TMA production