"That odor is most probably a by-product of protein breakdown. The most
likely candidate is methylmercaptan, which is produced by the breakdown
of the amino-acid methionine. Basically, it's telling you that your body
is scavenging protein. That odor is most probably a by-product of
protein breakdown. The most
likely candidate is methylmercaptan, which is produced by the breakdown
of the amino-acid methionine. Basically, it's telling you that your body
is scavenging protein. "
Dr. John Hussman
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The body does not excrete elemental
nitrogen, and when amino acids are deaminated and broken down the byproduct
is NH3 (ammonia). Ammonia is toxic to the body, and so it is converted
to urea, which is not. This has the further advantage that for each urea
molecule excreted two nitrogen atoms are excreted (it takes two ammonia
plus one oxygen plus one carbon to make a urea molecule).
Protein intake will affect urea output as well. As protein intake increases
the amount of protein that is used for energy increases as well. In order
to burn protein for energy, though, it is necessary to deaminate it
first. Thus, increased protein intake will result in increased urea
production.
Because ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism (the amine (NH2) group is
removed when proteins are broken down via the TCA cycle). It's not kept in
the body as ammonia (NH3), though, because ammonia is toxic to tissues.
Instead, it's stored as urea ((NH2)2CO), which is found in urine and sweat.
Upon contact with air, urea will break down, forming ammonia. That's where
the smell comes from.
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