Bad BO: It could be just your genes

Being smelly might not be your fault after all, as scientists in Philadelphia believe they’ve linked smelling bad with your genetic make up.

A new study suggests that about a third of people who have unexplained body odour also test positive for trimethylaminuria, a genetic disorder that causes a person to emit a funky, fishy odour.

Trimethylaminuria, also known as TMAU, leaves sufferers unable to break down the chemical trimethylamine because of mutations in one of their other genes, FMO3. The body naturally produces trimethylamine and it is linked with foods that contain high levels of choline. Choline is found in foods such as eggs, wheat germ, organ meats, saltwater fish and certain beans.

The majority of people who suffer from TMAU emit a fishy odour if they eat any of the above foods but preventive action can be taken by simply not eating them.

Researchers from the Monell Chemical Senses Centre in Philadelphia tested 353 people who were seeking help for unexplained body odour that was not caused by problems with personal hygiene.

Choline tests were carried out on the participants and according to the researchers, 118 of them suffered from TMAU. The study shows that even if someone doesn't have the characteristic fishy smell from TMAU, the disorder could still be the culprit for BO, researchers said.

If you suffer from an unexplained ‘fishy’ odour or a general bad smell that follows you everywhere, then ask your GP for a choline test.