Study Reveals Women's Farts Smell Stronger Than Men's; Experts: Stronger Odor May Benefit Brain Health

The odor of farts differs between men and women, according to a recent study. Women's farts, on average, smell worse than men's, and there's a scientific basis for this.

Women's Farts Have Higher Concentrations of Hydrogen Sulfide

Dr. Michael Levitt, a gastroenterologist known as the "King of Farts," conducted a study in 1998. He invited 16 healthy adults to consume pinto beans and laxatives, and collected fart samples using a special device. The gas composition was then analyzed scientifically.

Researchers invited two judges to rate the odor of each fart from 0 to 8, with 8 representing "very unpleasant." However, the judges were unaware that they were smelling human farts.

The results showed that women's farts had higher concentrations of hydrogen sulfide. This compound, which has a "rotten egg" smell, is the main source of the fart odor, hence the average "stronger" smell in women's farts. The study also indicated that while men produce a larger volume of farts, the odor is not necessarily stronger. The smellers unanimously agreed that women's farts had a more intense odor.

Hydrogen Sulfide Enhances Cognitive Function in Rats

Interestingly, hydrogen sulfide, the "source of the odor," is not entirely bad. In 2021, researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine conducted experiments on genetically modified mice designed to mimic Alzheimer's disease in humans. They injected these mice with a hydrogen sulfide carrier compound called NaGYY and monitored changes in their memory and motor function over 12 weeks.

The tests confirmed that mice treated with hydrogen sulfide showed a 50% improvement in cognitive and motor function compared to untreated mice. While the results showed that hydrogen sulfide can reverse some behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, it remains to be seen whether this conclusion applies to humans.