The adverse effects of long term l carnitine supplementation on liver and kidney function in rats L Liu, D M Zhang, M X Wang, C Y Fan, F Zhou, S J Wang, L D Kong, 2015 PDF) [L carnitine treatment and fish odor syndrome: an unwaited adverse effect]. L carnitine supplements can cause a fishy odor in the breath, sweat, and urine. This is likely due to the formation of trimethylamine (TMA). TMA is also responsible for the pungent smell of L Carnitine in Autism Spectrum Disorder Encyclopedia MDPI 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. Amazon.com: Nutricost Acetyl L Carnitine (ALCAR) 500mg, 180 Capsules, 180 Servings Non GMO and Gluten Free, 1 Capsule per Serving : Everything Else