How to Get Rid of Bad Pee Smell After Eating Asparagus

Try these tricks so you can enjoy asparagus without the unpleasant side effects

Co-authored by Arvind Madan and Finn Kobler

Last Updated: January 13, 2023 References

Asparagus is one of the healthiest and tastiest veggies, but it has a rather embarrassing side effect. Are you confused as to why your pee smells after eating this yummy green? Do you wish you knew how to mask the odor just a little? Well, urine luck! In this article, we’ll break down (pun intended) why asparagus causes its sulfuric smell, ways to combat the odor, and why, despite the reaction it may cause, it should still be a regular part of your nutritious diet!

Section 1 of 5:

Why does your pee smell after you eat asparagus?

Asparagus contains a chemical completely unique to its namesake called asparagusic acid. When our bodies digest this vegetable, they break down its acid into other, smaller, sulfur-containing enzymes. Because these enzymes are volatile, they can become gaseous at room temperature. Therefore, when you excrete them, they quickly interact with the air around you causing a rather unpleasant, sulfuric odor.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Section 2 of 5:

How to Neutralize the Asparagus Pee Smell

The more hydrated you are, the more the smell of your pee is diluted. Before or after eating asparagus, drink lots of water to help neutralize its scent.^{[2]
X
Research source}
Doctors recommend drinking cranberry juice to neutralize the scent of particularly smelly urine, because it makes your pee slightly more acidic. Try a little cranberry juice before you have some asparagus. Just make sure its sugar content is low. Otherwise, you might make the situation worse!^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
Vitamin C has been proven as an effective pee deodorizer. Taking a recommended dose of vitamin C tablets (whatever is advised on the bottle) can help counterbalance asparagus’ smell in your urine. Just make sure to talk to your doctor beforehand.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Because the foul-smelling compounds in asparagus pee are gaseous, neutralize them the way you would any other gas. Open up a window and allow the aroma to dissipate outside.
Air fresheners are literally designed to promote good odors and mask bad ones. Keep an air freshener handy in your bathroom and it should make the scent of asparagus pee hardly noticeable.
The bad news: the smell of asparagus pee will never be totally neutralized. The good news: the smell is totally normal and healthy. The best way to deal with the scent is to simply let your body digest this nutritious vegetable the way it needs to. Just let things be; in a few hours, the aroma should be gone anyways.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Section 3 of 5:

Should you be concerned?

Scientists have been observing a change in urine aroma after eating asparagus for centuries. Approximately 20% to 50% of the population experiences this phenomenon. It’s simply a sign of your body digesting food healthily.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}
2
In fact, most people can’t even smell it. Believe it or not, between 58% and 61% of people can’t even detect a difference in the smell of urine after eating asparagus. With a genetic variation in their olfactory (smell) receptors, the majority of humans have what’s called “asparagus anosmia.” So, next time you feel embarrassed going to a public restroom after eating asparagus, relax because there’s a decent chance others won’t even notice.^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
- Some people have a metabolic mutation that makes them unable to produce the asparagus smell when peeing too.^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source}
Advertisement

Section 4 of 5:

Call a Doctor If…

Smelly pee is nothing to be concerned about after eating asparagus. However, if you have a runny nose or trouble breathing, you may be having an allergic reaction and should avoid eating the vegetable altogether.^{[9]
X
Research source}
Usually, the smell of asparagus pee will disappear after about 14 hours. However, if the smell lasts longer than 2 days, or you notice a major change in color, frequency, or sensation, contact a medical professional as there may be something more serious going on.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Advertisement

Section 5 of 5:

Why You Should Keep Eating Asparagus

Smelly pee is no reason to stop eating asparagus. Its rich quantity of antioxidants help boost your immune system and have even been linked to lowering risk of cancer. It’s a valuable part of your diet.^{[11]
X
Research source}
Asparagus’ high-fiber content helps ease the process of nutrient absorption, make digestion easier, and adds good bacteria to your gut.^{[12]
X
Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source}
Because asparagus is low in potassium and high in nutrients, eating it is an easy and effective way to help filter and clean out your kidneys.^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source}

Advertisement