Asparagus – Why Does it Make Your Pee Stink?

Why is it that about 15 minutes after eating asparagus your pee has a wretched, foul smell?

This is the big question!

As I asked people if their pee stinks after they eat asparagus, I either got the ” I cant believe you are asking me this” look or the understanding, quick “yes”. I thought of doing an experiment but from some of my responses I decided not to. Most people agreed though and I was happy I wasn’t the only one with this stink. I decided I would find out the answer to this mystery and if there is anything that can be done to stop the stink. Here is what I found out.

As stated on the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board website. There is debate on whether the compound that causes the odor in urine after consumption of asparagus is, Methylmercaptan, a sulfur containing derivative of the amino acid, methionine OR asparagine-amino-succinic-acid monoamide. In either case, the product is formed as a derivative during the digestion and subsequent breakdown of beneficial amino acids that occur naturally in asparagus. Thus making your pee stink. The funny thing about it is that there have been studies done and only about 40% of people have the autosomal genes required to smell it. Now that doesn’t mean it doesn’t stink, because they did do another study that showed 103 out of 103 people did have odorous pee. Can anything be done to stop the stink – Well No, but below are some good reasons why you should keep eating and enjoying asparagus.

Facts

-Asparagus is high in Folic Acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C and thiamin.

-Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence.

-Asparagus is used ethnomedically to treat urinary tract infections, as well as kidney and bladder stones.

Charles Lamb, English poet, says it best – “Asparagus inspires gentle thoughts”.

Check out cafepress.com for some great asparagus tees.