April 1, 2003 – Doctors in Spain confirm four-year-old child suffers from “fish odor syndrome”1.
Only 200 cases have been identified globally since the disease was first diagnosed in the 1970s, but experts believe it could affect up to five in 10,000 people.
People who suffer from it constantly give off a foul odor of rotten fish, which can have a devastating psychological impact on them. There is no cure, although a diet free of foods high in choline – such as saltwater fish, peas, liver, and vegetables – can be effective.
The disease, called trimethylaminuria, is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the liver cannot properly process trimethylamine, a substance naturally produced by the intestinal flora. The disease usually starts after an infection of the liver or kidneys, or after consuming too much choline, a substance that the body converts into trimethylamine.
And no, even though today is April 1, this story is not an April Fool’s Day …
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to BBC News, March 17, 2003.
1. Mazon Ramos A, Gil-Setas A, Berrade Zubiri S, Bandres Echeverri T, Wevers R, Engelke U, Zschocke J. Primary trimethylaminuria or fish odor syndrome. A novel mutation in the first documented case in Spain.Med Clin (Barc) 2003 Feb 22; 120 (6): 219-21. [Consulté le 1er avril 2003].
