There’s a lot to love about asparagus: It’s crispy, earthy, and downright delicious.
Eating asparagus can make your urine smellverystinky, to the point where you might want to skip the veg.
So, why does asparagus make your pee smell?
Photo: Getty Images, Alisa Golovinska
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What Is Asparagus Pee?
It might also smell sour, acidic, and/or tart, depending on your sense of smell.
In other words, the scent is foul AF.
Why Does Asparagus Make Your Pee Stink?
Basically, “asparagus contains a chemical compound calledasparagusic acid,” explains Louloudis.
“When you eat asparagus, your body breaks down this chemical into sulfur-containing compounds.”
(BTW,sulfuris a chemical element that smells like surprise rotten eggs.)
These compounds, along with other waste products, are then excreted via theurine, resulting in odorous pee.
That’s why you might find yourself wrinkling your nose before you even flush the toilet.
Asparagus pee can also develop surprisingly quickly.
(More on that last bit in a sec.)
Does Everyone Have Smelly Asparagus Pee?
Now, here’s where things get interesting.
Consequently, these individuals' post-asparagus urine may contain fewer sulfur-containing compounds, resulting in not-so-smelly pee.
In other cases, it’s less about digestion and more about your own ability to smell.
Other factors can also affect your experience with asparagus pee.
Can You Prevent Asparagus Pee?
But remember, asparagus pee is completely normal and shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
It also doesn’t mean the vegetable is “unhealthy” or should be avoided altogether, says Ehsani.
