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http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt...ee?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=storiesfromnpr
Are you able to detect the smell? I can.
Are you able to detect the smell? I can.
This is not a pee joke (asparagus causing urine odor)
- Thread starter jim mcnamara
- Start date
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the phenomenon of asparagus causing a distinct odor in urine, attributed to compounds such as beta mercaptoethanol. Participants express their ability to detect this smell and share insights on the genetic basis of anosmia, which affects the ability to perceive these compounds. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of food on bodily secretions and their scents. Overall, the discussion highlights both personal experiences and scientific understanding of this unique biological response.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of anosmia and its genetic implications
- Familiarity with the chemical compound beta mercaptoethanol
- Knowledge of how food affects bodily secretions
- Basic concepts of human metabolism and olfactory responses
- Research the genetic factors influencing anosmia and olfactory perception
- Explore the chemistry of beta mercaptoethanol and its effects on human scent
- Investigate the relationship between diet and changes in body odor
- Learn about the physiological processes behind bodily secretions and their scents
Individuals interested in human biology, nutritionists, and anyone curious about the effects of food on body odor, particularly in relation to asparagus consumption.
- #2
dkotschessaa
- 1,063
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Interesting, and yes. I am glad we are discovering the cause. Next step: genetically modified non-stink-pee asparagus.
- #3
jackwhirl
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I can. I learned I wasn't weird for it earlier this year thanks to MinuteEarth.
- #4
BillTre
Science Advisor
Gold Member
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Asparagus always reminded me of beta mercaptoethanol.
After I first smelled it (beta mercaptoethanol) in a molecular biology lab.
After I first smelled it (beta mercaptoethanol) in a molecular biology lab.
- #5
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jim mcnamara said:
Interesting article, but the BMJ article seems to emphasize anosmia, not metabolism- that is to say, the ability to smell the compounds, not the ability to create the compounds.
- #6
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@Andy Resnick - yup - thought I said smell.
- #7
Student100
Education Advisor
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I surprised about all the hate it gets in the article, I think it smells good. Like rainbows.jim mcnamara said:
- #8
Fervent Freyja
Gold Member
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I'm not sure if I can or not, I don't cook it very often and haven't paid any attention to it. There doesn't have to be a genetic basis to the phenomenon, like the article noted. It really doesn't surprise me, the scent of other bodily fluids can be altered by food as well... The foods we consume are digested by the body and carried through the bloodstream to various glands and tissues, including sweat glands, the prostate and seminal vesicle (where seminal fluid is created) and the Skene's glands and vaginal wall (where vaginal lubrication is created.) The smell and taste of food molecules we ingest can be released through the secretions produced by these glands and tissues, resulting in a noticeable difference in our body fragrance and flavor.
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jim mcnamara said:
I wonder if the test subjects had to smell someone else's pee...
- #10
dkotschessaa
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Student100 said:I surprised about all the hate it gets in the article, I think it smells good. Like rainbows.
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