Joseph Stromberg was previously a digital reporter for Smithsonian. Ask Smithsonian A Smithsonian magazine special report. Our bodies convert asparagusic acid into sulfur-containing chemicals that stink—but some of us are spared from the pungent aroma.
The researchers then explored the association between genetic variation and the asparagus anosmia trait in more than 9 million genetic variants. Markt, Mucci, and colleagues identified hundreds of variants in the DNA sequence — across multiple genes involved in the sense of smell — that are strongly linked with the ability to detect asparagus metabolites. The investigation revealed variations in DNA sequence particularly associated with being asparagus anosmic. These variations, known as single nucleotide polymorphisms SNPs , were located on chromosome 1 — a chromosomal region that contains multiple genes connected to the sense of smell.
The study authors point out that the discovery of these SNPs provides scientists with future research routes that may uncover the genetic structure and function of the overall sense of smell. A higher proportion of women 62 percent than men 58 percent reported that they could not smell the odor. The researchers are dubious of this result as they say that women are known to more accurately and consistently identify smells.
The team proposes that this unexpected result might be due to a few modest women who did not want to admit that they could smell the odor, or that due to the female position during urination, they may be less likely to notice an unusual scent. First and foremost perhaps is: why such a delicious delicacy as asparagus results in such a pernicious odor, and what are the selective pressures driving genetic variations that lead to asparagus anosmia?
They note that asparagus provides a rich source of iron, fiber, zinc, folate , and vitamins A, E, and C, and that consumption may reduce the risk of cancer , cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular-related diseases. Harvard T. It is thought that this can happen if the stomach is not acidic enough, or if the beetroot itself has high levels vitamin C in the beetroot itself.
So, some people can produce beetroot-red urine some but not necessarily all of the time. Although asparagus and beetroot are the most commonly mentioned examples, it is actually likely that many foods have an effect on the chemicals that appear in urine. Perhaps next time you visit the bathroom, you may be able to see or smell a chemical marker of what you have recently ate or drank. It is usually normal for metabolites from food to appear in urine, and should not be anything to be worried about.
If however, you think there is blood or a distinct change you should always seek a medical opinion. What's next for the Midlands' economy after Covid and Brexit?
In fact, next time you smell that distinct scent, go ahead and pat yourself on the back for choosing a nutritious veggie — think of it as a smell of success!
A nephrologist breaks down why the asparagus pee phenomenon happens. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Ever wonder why eating asparagus can lead to funky smelling pee? Related Articles.
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