- #1
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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
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of asparagus causing a distinct odor in urine, exploring the underlying science, personal experiences, and perceptions related to this effect. Participants reference articles and share anecdotal evidence regarding their ability to detect the smell and the biological mechanisms involved.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express their ability to detect the smell of asparagus in urine, indicating a shared experience.
- One participant suggests the possibility of genetically modifying asparagus to eliminate the odor.
- Another participant compares the smell of asparagus urine to beta mercaptoethanol, drawing from their experience in a molecular biology lab.
- A participant highlights a distinction made in a BMJ article, emphasizing anosmia (the inability to smell) rather than the metabolism of compounds as a focus.
- There is a suggestion that the phenomenon of altered body odor due to food consumption may not necessarily have a genetic basis, as other bodily fluids can also be affected by diet.
- Some participants express differing opinions on the smell of asparagus urine, with one stating they find it pleasant.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share personal experiences regarding the detection of the smell, but there are differing views on the implications of these experiences, particularly regarding genetic factors and the perception of the odor itself. The discussion remains unresolved on several points, including the biological mechanisms and the subjective nature of the smell.
Contextual Notes
Some claims about the relationship between diet and body odor are not fully substantiated, and there are assumptions regarding genetic predispositions that are not universally accepted among participants.
- #2
dkotschessaa
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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
- 233
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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.
- #9
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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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