Can you smell asparagus in your urine?
“Findings show that 40 percent of participants agreed that they could smell a distinct odor in their urine after eating asparagus, and 60 percent said they could not and were labeled as 'asparagus anosmic.'”.
How common is it to Pee asparagus?
Depending on what study you read, it’s estimated that between 20% to 50% of people experience it. For those who don’t get to encounter the joy of asparagus pee, researchers believe the reason might be two-fold:
What foods make your Pee smell?
Brussels sprouts, onions and garlic have also been linked to odd smelling pee in some people. Asparagus pee usually shows up between 15 and 30 minutes after eating the vegetable and can last for several hours. One study found that the smell could last for up to 14 hours!
Could genetic engineering help make asparagus smell better?
The groundbreaking study may pave the way to genetic engineering that would allow more people to detect the distinctive odor, the team at the Harvard School of Public Health said. And it may provide a way to let more people in on the health benefits of asparagus, said Lorelei Mucci, an associate professor of epidemiology who led the study.
Is the ability to smell asparagus pee genetic?
The investigation revealed 871 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.
Can people pee after asparagus and it not smell?
Overall, scientists now conclude that most of the difference is in perception—that is, if your urine doesn't seem to smell any differently after you eat asparagus, it's likely that you simply can't perceive the sulfurous compounds' foul odor, but there's a small chance it's because your body digests asparagus in a way ...
Does asparagus clean your kidneys?
Asparagus can act as a natural diuretic, according to a 2010 study published in the West Indian Medical Journal. This can help rid the body of excess salt and fluid, making it especially good for people suffering from edema and high blood pressure. It also helps flush out toxins in kidneys and prevent kidney stones.
Why does my pee smell like fish?
Fish Odor Syndrome Also called trimethylaminuria, this genetic condition can give your pee a fishy smell. It happens when your body can't break down trimethylamine. You end up getting rid of the compound through your pee, sweat, breath, and other fluids. It doesn't mean you're unhealthy.
Why do some people's pee not smell after eating asparagus?
For those who don't get to encounter the joy of asparagus pee, researchers believe the reason might be two-fold: Everyone digests food differently and some people can break down the sulfur byproducts more efficiently. Some people lack the ability to detect the odor simply because of genetic variations.
How long does asparagus pee last?
The good news is, it appears the effects subside with time. One study found the half-life (the amount of time it takes for the smell to reduce by 50 percent) of asparagus smell in urine to be 7.2 hours, meaning the effects can last for over to 14 hours.
How does asparagus affect urine so quickly?
When your digestive system breaks down mercaptan, by-products are released that cause the strange smell. The process is so quick that your urine can develop the distinctive smell within 15 to 30 minutes of eating asparagus.
Does asparagus affect urine drug test?
Color and Odor Urine can acquire off-odors from consumption of a few foods like asparagus (a genetic factor in some people is most likely responsible) and beverages like coffee, or as a consequence of health problems like a urinary tract infection or diabetes (a sweet smell from excess sugar).