Did You Know? Some people report a fishy smell after supplementing with L carnitine. This happens because certain gut bacteria convert carnitine to trimethylamine, a malodorous compound found in rotting fish. Does L carnitine cause fishy body odor? Surprising Truth and Solutions Tonum Trimethylaminuria, or fish odour syndrome is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. The body is unable to turn a strong smelling chemical called trimethylamine produced in the gut when L Carnitine: Everything You Need to Know