Odor
Feces possesses physiological odor, which can vary according to diet (especially the amount of meat protein e.g., methionine) and health status. The odor of human feces is suggested to be made up from the following odorant volatiles:
- Methyl sulfides
- methylmercaptan/methanethiol (MM)
- dimethyl sulfide (DMS)
- dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS)
- dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)
- Benzopyrrole volatiles
- indole
- skatole
- Hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
(H2S) is the most common volatile sulfur compound in feces. The odor of feces may be increased in association with various pathologies, including:
- Celiac disease
- Crohn's disease
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Intestinal infection, e.g. Clostridium difficile infection.
- Malabsorption
- Short bowel syndrome
Attempts to reduce the odor of feces (and flatus) are largely based on animal research carried out with industrial applications, such as reduced environmental impact of pig farming. See also: Flatulence#Management, odor. Many dietary modifications/supplements have been researched, including:
- Activated charcoal. (Note this study concluded activated charcoal at a dose of 0.52g four times a day did not appreciably influence the liberation of fecal gases).
- Bismuth subsalicylate.
- Chloryphyllyn
- Herbs such as rosemary
- Yucca schidigera.
- Zinc acetate.
Read more about this topic: Human Feces
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