Do B Vitamins Cause Body Odor? Causes and Solutions

Why Do I Smell After Taking B Vitamins?

Read on to learn more about trimethylaminuria, which B vitamins might change your body odor, and ways to address it.

What Is Trimethylaminuria?

If you notice body odor that smells different than usual and think you may have this condition, it’s best to check with a doctor.

Which B Vitamins May Cause a Smell?

Some vitamin B complex supplements may include choline, an essential nutrient for your body.

What Else Could Cause a Smell?

• Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Eggs
• Fish oil supplements
• Liver
• Milk from wheat-fed cows
• Peanuts
• Peas
• Saltwater fish and seafood
• Soy products

Even if you don’t have trimethylaminuria, your diet could affect the scent of your sweat.

How to Address It

If you don’t have trimethylaminuria but still notice that your sweat has an unusual smell, a healthcare professional can perform a physical exam and any necessary lab tests to determine the cause. Depending on their diagnosis, they can work with you to create a treatment plan that’s best for you.

You can also try removing sulfur-containing foods from your diet to see whether that changes or eliminates your body odor.

• Wipe the areas where you sweat the most, like your armpits and groin, with antibacterial soap daily. Consider shaving in those areas, too, to help sweat evaporate more quickly.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes made of cotton, and be sure to wash them regularly.
• Use a topical antiperspirant, which can help decrease your sweat production.

• Niklewicz A et al. The Importance of Vitamin B12 for Individuals Choosing Plant-Based Diets. European Journal of Nutrition. December 5, 2022.
• Vitamin B. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. May 27, 2021.
• Trimethylaminuria (Fish Odor Syndrome). Cleveland Clinic. April 5, 2024.
• Body Odor. Cleveland Clinic. March 4, 2022.
• How 7 Different Foods Affect Your Body Odor. Cleveland Clinic. April 1, 2024.

Michelle Seguin, MD

Medical Reviewer

Michelle Seguin, MD, is a board-certified family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and certified functional medicine physician (IFMCP). She is a practicing physician at Root Functional...

Andrea Boldt

Author

Andrea Boldt has been in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. A personal trainer, run coach, group fitness instructor and master yoga teacher, she also holds certifications...