Is there a connection between lactose and body odor?

Can the lactose in this glass of milk really lead to body odor? Explore more insights on men's health. Stockbyte/Valueline/Thinkstock

Lactose is commonly associated with lactose intolerance, a condition affecting around 30 million Americans. Lactose, a sugar present in milk, requires the enzyme lactase for proper digestion.

Lactose intolerance arises when the body lacks this enzyme, leading to the fermentation of lactose in the colon. This process produces gases like methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulfide, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, cramps, and nausea after consuming dairy. But could lactose also be linked to body odor?

Metabolic irregularities can sometimes lead to unusual body odors. For instance, tyrosinemia, a metabolic disorder, prevents the breakdown of the amino acid tyrosine, found in foods like dairy, meat, and nuts, causing the body to emit a boiled cabbage-like smell. Similarly, when the body fails to metabolize amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine (also present in dairy), urine and other bodily fluids may take on a maple syrup-like scent.

Let’s delve deeper into lactose. As a disaccharide, lactose consists of two sugar molecules: glucose and galactose. Glucose is readily absorbed into the bloodstream, where it serves as immediate energy or is stored for later use.

Issues with glucose regulation can heighten the risk of diabetes. Excess glucose in the bloodstream often results in a sweet, fruity odor on the breath. Galactose, on the other hand, is metabolized by the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT). When the body struggles to convert galactose into glucose, the sugar accumulates, leading to a rare inherited disorder called galactosemia. Typically diagnosed in infancy, galactosemia can cause jaundice, cataracts, liver cirrhosis, ovarian failure, infections, and even mental retardation. It may also result in altered body odor.

While lactose can indirectly contribute to body odor, such cases are rare. For those with lactose intolerance, flatulence is a much more frequent issue.