Why does vitamin b complex smell

Too much of certain B vitamins, especially if you have a condition called trimethylaminuria, can cause you to emit a fishy body odor that is isolating and embarrassing. Talk to your doctor if you suspect you may have this condition. People who have trimethylaminuria experience a buildup of a fish-smelling compound, called trimethylamine. In most people, this compound is processed with naturally occurring enzymes and is excreted in the urine. But, in people with the disorder, the enzyme is missing or deficient, so the fishy compound excretes in the breath and sweat as well.

The result is a potent body odor that can be strong and somewhat offensive. People with trimethylaminuria often experience the fishy odor in response to intake of the B vitamin choline, which is present in many multivitamins and B-complex blends. Vitamin B-1, commonly known as thiamin, can also alter your body odor if taken in mega doses. Some of the excess thiamin leaks out through the skin, which causes your body to smell.

The recommended dose for this vitamin is 1. The vitamin supplements may not be causing the odor, either. These unfortunate individuals tend to have a fishy odor anyway, but the odor may be exacerbated by choline intake. Lucy concurs, and suggests that you might want to have a friendly conversation with your buddy—not about his body odor, but, rather, to encourage him to make an appointment for a general check-up with his primary care provider.

The fact is that whatever symptoms your buddy believes he is treating with vitamins might be indicative of an undiagnosed medical condition. At the very least, you should encourage him to discuss his vitamin regimen with someone who knows more about tolerable levels and possible side effects.

Back to Ask Lucy Information contained in Ask Lucy is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended as professional medical advice related to individual situations. Always obtain the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if you need medical diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Never disregard medical advice you have received, nor delay getting such advice, because of something you read in this column.

Ask Lucy! Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Follow Us. Smell a wide variety of things around you, from lentils, spices and flowers to perfumes, grass and wood. This simple practise can help you improve your sense of smell. The easiest way to do this is by closing your eyes and learning to identify an object by sniffing it. Get vitamins: A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to olfactory dysfunction and a partial or complete loss of smell. Include enough sources of vitamin B12 in your diet, like fish, meat, eggs, chicken, milk, yoghurt and cheese.

Studies have shown that smoking can damage both your sense of smell as well as your sense of taste. Kicking the butt is therefore a sure-shot way of improving your sense of smell.