Bushra Griffith
It's a well-known fact that men and women have distinct body odours. While women's sweat has been likened to the smell of onions or grapefruit, men's sweat has been described as having a cheesy odour. This difference in body odour is not just a matter of hygiene but is rooted in our biology and genetics. So, what exactly causes men's sweat to smell like cheese? Let's dive in and explore the science behind this curious phenomenon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Men's sweat contains higher levels of an odourless fatty acid, which releases a cheesy smell when it mixes with the enzymes produced by bacteria in the armpits. |
| Concentration of sulfur in sweat | Men have lower levels of sulfur-containing compounds in their sweat compared to women. |
| Body odour | Men's body odour is often described as resembling stinky cheese. |
| Mate selection | The smell of a man's sweat may play a role in mate selection, with women being attracted to men with dissimilar MHC genes. |
| Factors influencing body odour | Diet, genetics, hygiene practices, and clothing can all impact body odour. |
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What You'll Learn
The role of bacteria in body odour
Body odour is caused by the presence of bacteria on the skin that break down sweat. While sweat itself is odourless, it is the bacteria on our skin that break it down and cause body odour. Men and women have different bacterial compositions, which results in distinct body odours.
In a study conducted in 2009, researchers found that men's sweat contains high levels of an odourless fatty acid. When this fatty acid comes into contact with the bacteria found in male armpits, it produces a chemical reaction that results in a cheesy smell. On the other hand, women's sweat contains higher levels of an odourless sulphur-containing compound. When this compound interacts with the bacteria typically found in female armpits, it forms a chemical known as thiol, which has an onion-like odour.
The difference in body odour between men and women is not just a result of bacterial activity but also the concentration of sulfur in their sweat. Sulfur is a key component in determining the strength of body odour, with higher concentrations resulting in stronger odours. Additionally, genetic factors, diet, and personal hygiene also play a role in influencing body odour.
The study of body odour and the role of bacteria has implications beyond personal hygiene. For example, it is believed that body odour may play a role in mate selection. Both men and women are attracted to the scents of those with MHC genes that are most dissimilar to their own, indicating a potential ability to identify genetically compatible partners through smell. Furthermore, body odour may also help in recognizing relatives, thereby avoiding inbreeding.
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The impact of diet and genetics
Diet
The quality of body odour can be affected by the types of food ingested. A study found that male participants who consumed more fruit and vegetables had more pleasant-smelling sweat, with more floral, fruity, sweet, and medicinal qualities. This was assessed by measuring carotenoid intake through skin spectrophotometry and dietary information provided by the participants.
Additionally, fat, meat, egg, and tofu intake have been associated with more pleasant-smelling sweat, while higher carbohydrate intake may result in stronger and less pleasant-smelling sweat. This may be due to the presence of certain compounds in these foods that are excreted through sweat and altered by bacteria on the skin.
Genetics
Genetics can also play a role in body odour. Scientists have found that variations in a single gene can influence a person's perception of scent. This means that the same body odour can be perceived differently by individuals based on their genetic makeup.
Furthermore, certain genetic variations have been linked to the production of specific axillary odorants. For example, individuals with a specific variant in the ABCC11 gene were found to have reduced levels of typical body odorants, resulting in less body odour. This particular variant is more common in Asians, contributing to the observation that individuals of Asian descent often have a reduced body odour.
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How body odour influences mate selection
Body odour plays a significant role in influencing mate selection, with humans relying on olfactory cues to determine a potential partner's genetic compatibility. This phenomenon, known as MHC-dependent mate selection, suggests that unique body odours are influenced by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and that these olfactory cues guide mate choice and preferences.
The MHC is a group of genes essential for a functioning immune system, and its different heterozygotic variations play a role in sexual selection. For instance, women, especially those not using hormonal contraceptives, are more attracted to the scent of men with heterozygous HLA, which is the human form of MHC. Additionally, men's arousal can be influenced by various odours, and studies have shown that women's preferences for specific male traits change throughout their menstrual cycles.
The link between body odour and mate selection was explored in a study by Claus Wedekind, commonly known as "the sweaty t-shirt study." In this experiment, men were asked to wear cotton t-shirts for two nights, refraining from activities that could alter their natural scent. Women then chose the shirts they found most appealing, indicating a preference for certain male body odours. This study supported the idea that body odour plays a role in mate selection, as women were unconsciously selecting for genetic compatibility.
Furthermore, research has shown that men's use of fragranced antiperspirants can increase their attractiveness to women. Additionally, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can enhance male body odour, making them more appealing to potential female mates. These findings highlight the importance of olfactory cues in mate selection, suggesting that humans may be attracted to the pheromones produced by potential partners.
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The difference in concentration of sulfur in male and female sweat
The difference in the concentration of sulfur in male and female sweat has been a subject of research for scientists. In a study, scientists at Firmenich, a Geneva-based company that researches flavours and scents for the food and perfume industry, collected armpit sweat samples from 24 men and 25 women after they had spent time in a sauna or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. The team discovered that female sweat samples contained high amounts of an odourless sulfur-containing compound. When this compound mixes with bacteria under the arm, it creates a chemical known as "thiol", which is known for smelling like onions. On the other hand, male sweat samples exhibited high levels of an odourless fatty acid, which gives off a cheesy smell when it comes into contact with armpit bacteria.
The ratio between the acid precursor 1, a glutamine conjugate, and the "sulfur" precursor 2, a cysteinylglycine-S-conjugate, was found to be three times higher in men than in women, with no correlation to sweat volume or protein concentration. The mean quantities of precursor 2 were 5 (±1) and 9 (±1) μg in males and females, respectively, with a maximum of 17 and 22 μg. This indicates that the concentration of sulfur in sweat is a significant factor in body odour, with higher concentrations potentially leading to stronger body odour.
The difference in sulfur concentration in male and female sweat may be attributed to variations in the bacterial makeup of the skin, influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, and hygiene practices. Additionally, hormonal changes, medications, and underlying health conditions can also contribute to differences in body odour. It is worth noting that the perception of body odour is dependent on the concentration of odour molecules, as demonstrated by the ODT (lowest detectable odour level) calculations for synthetic (R)/(S)-HMHA and (R)/(S)-MSH.
While the study provides valuable insights, it is important to acknowledge that body odour is influenced by a combination of factors beyond sulfur concentration. The type of bacteria present on the skin, as well as individual differences in diet, genetics, and hygiene practices, all contribute to the unique body odour of each person. Furthermore, the role of body odour in mate selection and genetic compatibility between the sexes cannot be overlooked.
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The development of gender-specific deodorants
The unique scent of each individual is influenced by a combination of factors, including their diet, lifestyle, and genetic makeup. However, research has shown that there are notable differences in the body odour of men and women, with men's sweat tending to have a cheesy smell and women's sweat smelling more like onions or grapefruit. This difference is primarily due to variations in the concentration of sulfur-containing compounds and odorless fatty acids in male and female sweat, which, when mixed with bacteria on the skin, produce distinct odours.
The discovery of these gender-specific odours has sparked interest in the development of gender-specific deodorants. Scientists have recognized the potential to create deodorants tailored to the unique needs of men and women, addressing their distinct body odours. This approach could offer more effective odour protection and appeal to consumers seeking specialized personal care products.
To create these gender-specific deodorants, researchers must first understand the underlying causes of gender-based scent differences. In the case of men's cheesy odour, it is attributed to high levels of an odorless fatty acid that, when exposed to enzymes and bacteria in the armpits, produces a pungent cheese-like smell. On the other hand, women's sweat contains higher levels of a sulfur-containing compound, resulting in an onion-like smell when combined with armpit bacteria.
By isolating and identifying the key compounds responsible for these gender-specific odours, scientists can develop targeted deodorant formulations. For men's deodorants, the focus would be on neutralizing or masking the cheesy smell, while for women's deodorants, the emphasis would be on combating the onion-like odour. This may involve the use of specific antibacterial agents, odour-neutralizing compounds, or fragrance combinations designed to counteract the unique odour profiles of male and female body odour.
While the development of gender-specific deodorants shows promise, it is important to acknowledge that individual variations exist due to factors like diet, genetics, and personal hygiene practices. Therefore, the effectiveness of these deodorants may vary across different populations, and further research is needed to understand their applicability beyond the studied populations, typically based in Switzerland. Nonetheless, the potential for gender-specific deodorants opens up exciting possibilities for the personal care industry, offering consumers more tailored solutions for their unique body odour concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
Men's sweat contains high levels of an odourless fatty acid, which releases a cheesy odour when it mixes with the enzymes and bacteria found in the armpit.
It's in their genes. The concentration of sulfur in male and female sweat differs, and the more sulfur we have in our sweat, the stronger our body odour can be.
Yes, and it's important for mate selection. Women are attracted to men who are the most unlike them genetically, and they get that information through the way men smell.
