TMAU testing has resumed under a new system. We now offer testing for trimethylaminuria (TMAU) through the Biochemical Genetics Laboratory at the University of Colorado. We have decided that all testing will be coordinated through Monell so that the protocol we have developed over the past 20-plus years remains consistent.
For information on how to be tested for TMAU, please email an inquiry to Dr. George Preti at .
Malodor diagnostic evaluations are coordinated by Dr. Preti as part of his scientific research program on the origin, chemistry, and function of human body odors. Dr. Preti has a PhD in organic chemistry and is a full-time research scientist. He is not a physician or dentist and does not treat patients. However, based on your results we may be able to make recommendations for odor reduction and amelioration. For example, there is no cure for TMAU but there are documented strategies for symptom amelioration that we can share with you upon diagnosis.
This diagnostic service is not currently supported by public or private funding, so there is a cost to cover a portion of the expenses. We can not accept insurance or do third party billing.
Please be patient while waiting for a response. Although we realize that it may be frustrating to wait, please do not contact us repeatedly, as that will take time away from our work efforts. Dr. Preti answers all of these inquiries personally, and he often receives dozens of emails each week. However, if you do not hear from us after a reasonable period (3 months) or if your information changes, please contact us again.
Please do not call Monell’s main number or the Monell-Jefferson Taste and Smell Clinic, as they will not be able to help you with malodor problems.
TMAU
In our experience, the most common cause for undiagnosed malodor production is the genetically-inherited, odor-producing disorder trimethylaminuria (TMAU). Click here for a description of TMAU.
Bad breath (Halitosis; Chronic halitosis )
More than half of the individuals we see report oral symptoms, with most complaining of halitosis. Halitosis and TMAU are two different conditions that may occur together; someone with bad breath may or may not also have TMAU. Chronic halitosis can be falsely interpreted as a body odor because the odor is projected around your body each time you exhale or speak. Many patients who think they have TMAU are in fact suffering from chronic halitosis.
Chronic halitosis originates on the rear, top-part of the tongue surface where a bacterial plaque can develop. Why some people develop this and some do not is not exactly known. This plaque is similar to the plaque on teeth and gums, but is caused by a different group of bacteria.
Chronic halitosis can exist without the presence of gum or periodontal disease; persistent oral odor is unlikely to come from your teeth and gums (so cleaning them doesn’t help this situation) or digestive tract. Most dentists and physicians are unaware that chronic bad breath is an oral, tongue-derived situation.
Chronic bad breath may smell like foul garbage and sometimes like a bowel movement/fecal-matter or like “something died.” Further, if you are stressed, this will tend to dry the mouth making the odors produced in the plaque more airborne due to lower salivary flow. Halitosis may be a life-long problem, since we have seen children as young as 12-13 years old with this problem.
Underarm Odors
Because of the underarm ecology and chemistry, certain types of odors are produced there which are perceived as “sweaty, sour or musty.” Modern deodorant and antiperspirant products are designed to reduce male and female underarm odors for 12-24 hours.
We have seen less than a half-dozen individuals with strong underarm odors (out of more than 320 patients seen), confirmed by us at social distances. These individuals are generally referred to a dermatologist for treatment. Your underarms are unlikely to produce the odor caused by TMAU.
