Know Your Body: Everyone, except identical twins, has a unique smell

In continuation of our quest to find out more about the intriguing way human bodies work, we decided to seek answers from experts about this particular phenomenon.

Studies on identical twins emphasise their genetic component showing their body odours to be more alike than those of unrelated individuals.

The olfactory system, comprising millions of specialised cells in our nasal cavity, is responsible for detecting and interpreting smells.

Here’s what to know about body odour (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

“These cells contain receptors that bind to specific odour molecules, triggering signals to the brain for scent recognition. Remarkably, these receptors are encoded by our unique genetic blueprint, contributing to the distinctiveness of our individual smells,” explained Dr Dharit Shah, consultant pulmonologist and allergy specialist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad.

Identical twins have nearly identical sets of olfactory receptor genes, said Dr Shah. “This genetic similarity results in strikingly similar scent profiles between them. They often share common underlying characteristics that make it challenging for our noses to discern a noticeable difference,” he said.

However, despite their genetic similarities, identical twins can still have subtle variations in their smells, he added. Dr Shah said factors such as their personal hygiene practices, dietary choices, and exposure to different environments can influence the nuances of their individual odours over time.

‘Intricate blend of nature and nurture’

Our diet also introduces distinct notes to how we smell, with spices and certain foods leaving their mark, said Dr Annie Q Hasan, Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Kamineni Hospitals, Hyderabad. “Lifestyle choices and medications can also alter body odour; stress and medications with side effects can bring about changes,” said Dr Hasan.

Age contributes to the evolution of our scent as well. According to Dr Hasan, hormonal shifts, dietary changes, and alterations in the skin’s chemistry all play their part in this transformation. Even the environment we live in matters, as climate, humidity, and pollution interact with our genetics to create a unique olfactory profile, she added.

“In essence, our body odour is a complex symphony. Genetics act as the conductor, while lifestyle, environment, and age are the various instruments. Together, they compose the one-of-a-kind fragrance that defines ‘you’. This intricate blend of nature and nurture makes body odour a fascinating aspect of human individuality,” said Dr Hasan.

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