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. A fishy tasting steak is an indicator that your beef is old. As meat breaks down, it can release TMA, a compound responsible for unpleasant, fishy flavors. iSatori Liquid L Carnitine LS3 3000 Mitochondrial control of fuel switching via carnitine biosynthesis Science 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.