2006-09-26 17:54:12 · 4 answers · asked by phowie 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Some of the constituents of asparagus are metabolised and excreted in the urine, giving it a distinctive, mildly unpleasant odor. The smell is caused by various sulfur-containing degradation products (e.g. thiols and thioesters). Studies showed that about 40% of the test subjects displayed this characteristic smell; and a similar percentage of people are able to smell the odor once it is produced. There does not seem to be any correlation between peoples' production and detection of the smell. The speed of onset of urine smell is rapid, and has been estimated to occur within 15-30 minutes from ingestion.
The amino acid asparagine gets its name from asparagus, the asparagus plant being rich in this compound.
Similarly the urine after eating CARLIC also smells bad for the above reason.
2006-09-26 19:48:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aspartic acid, an amino acid key in maintaining your body healthy is the culprit of that funky smell. It is an amino acid that helps your body to maintain it pH level. When you eat asparagus it increases and the body get rid of the extra to maintain the perfect balance.
2006-09-26 17:59:26 · answer #2 · answered by RiverGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The enzyme asparagine passes through our system and into our urine, which makes it smell.
2006-09-26 17:58:09 · answer #3 · answered by Stephanie S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amazing that someone notices this.
2006-09-26 17:59:02 · answer #4 · answered by sacharose 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋