Body odor

Body odor is specific to the individual, and can be used to identify people, though this is more often done by dogs than by humans. An individual’s body odor is also influenced by diet, gender, genetics, health, medication, and mood.

Body odor is largely influenced by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. These are genetically determined and play an important role in immunity of the organism. The vomeronasal organ contains cells sensitive to MHC molecules in a genotype-specific way. Experiments on animals and volunteers shown the potential sexual partners tend to be perceived more attractive if their MHC composition is substantially different. This behavior pattern promotes variability of the immune system of individuals in the population, thus making the population more robust against new diseases.

A recent study suggests that body odor is genetically determined by a gene that also codes the type of earwax one has.^[1][2] East Asians evidently have a greater chance of having the ‘dry’ earwax type and reduced axial sweating and odor. This may be due to adaptation to colder climates.

Although body odor is commonly associated with hygiene, its presentation can be affected by changes in diet.^[3] The use of anti-bacterial soap while bathing is recommended.

• Pheromone
• Foot odor
• Halitosis (Bad Breath)

• The Scientist – Immunity, smell linked, November 2004
• Male sweat boosts women’s hormone levels — from UC Berkeley, February 2007
• The Effect of Male Sweat on Women’s Hormone Levels — from Science Daily, February 2007

de:Bromhidrosis

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