Body odor can be caused by the abnormal accumulation of metabolic byproducts in the body. Ever substance has its own characteristic odor. Some of these diseases are inherited disorders of metabolism, symptoms of which usually appear in infancy. Some common diseases, such as diabetes, can also lead to a particular body odor.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis can occur in insulin-dependent diabetics when they do not receive enough insulin to cover their needs. As described by Mayo.com, glucose enters cells with the help of insulin to be used for energy. When insulin is deficient, fat is used as an alternate form of fuel. Excessive and rapid break down of fat creates ketones--which causes the fruity breath associated with diabetic ketoacidosis. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion and coma. Left untreated, this condition can be fatal.
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria, or PKU, is an inherited disorder of metabolism, in which break down of the amino acid phenylalanine is deficient. As a result, it accumulates in the body in toxic amounts. As explained by Merck.com, symptoms include mental retardation, seizures, light hair and a mousy body odor. Treatment from birth with a diet low in phenylalanine can prevent the development of many of the symptoms. Once symptoms appear, they are irreversible.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease
In this genetic disorder, branched chain amino acids--leucine, isoleucine and valine--can't be broken down as in a healthy person. Their byproducts accumulate int he blood and urine, leading to an odor similar to maple syrup. Other symptoms include mental retardation, seizures and coma. According to Merck.com, maple syrup urine disease is common among Mennonites.
Trimethylaminuria
Known commonly as the "fish odor syndrome," this disorder leads to an accumulation of trimethylamine due to an inherited defect in its breakdown. People with this disease have a body odor similar to rotten fish. Certain stressors, including menstruation, may trigger an exacerbation of the odor. This condition is extremely distressing to the patient. Sufferers may become depressed and socially isolated. Children may be ridiculed to such an extent that they drop out of school.
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