Human model of primary carnitine deficiency cardiomyopathy reveals ferroptosis as a novel mechanism: Stem Cell Reports Does Carnitine Cause Body Odor? Lume Deodorant 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. Trimethylamine and Trimethylamine N Oxide, a Flavin Containing Monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) Mediated Host Microbiome Metabolic Axis Implicated in Health and Disease Drug Metabolism and Disposition Gut microbiota metabolism of l carnitine and cardiovascular risk ScienceDirect