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The main reason for the unpleasant smell of feces lies in the digestion processes. Indeed, during the decomposition of food in the gastrointestinal system, various compounds are produced. Among them, skatole, or 3-methylindole, plays a predominant role. This compound, also responsible for the pleasant smell of some flowers like jasmine at low concentration, is produced by bacteria as they break down the amino acid L-tryptophan.
Our body hosts more than 10,000 microbial species, with a number of bacterial cells surpassing that of human cells. These microorganisms, essential to digestion, are largely responsible for the smell of feces. The different bacteria emit various gases depending on the types of food and substances they break down.
Eating habits, alcohol consumption, dietary supplements, and medications can influence the odor of feces. Foods high in sugars, like sorbitol found in some candies, or containing sulfates – eggs, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, legumes, and meats – promote the production of sulfur gas, which smells like rotten eggs.
Highly processed and sugary foods can be difficult to digest, leading to increased gas production and more odorous stools. Excessive alcohol consumption can also negatively impact the digestive process, resulting in foul-smelling stools.
A change or worsening in the odor of feces is typically due to a change in diet or medication, and adjusts over time. However, a particularly nauseating, persistent smell similar to that of decay may indicate a more serious health problem. Malabsorption diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, prevent proper nutrient absorption and can cause constant and strong odors. Viral or bacterial infections of the intestine or gastrointestinal motility disorders can also be to blame.
Faced with an unusually strong, persistent odor, accompanied by symptoms such as diarrhea, presence of blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or fever, a medical consultation is necessary.