Carb loading can lead to bad body odour, researchers have said

Packing in the carbs is a key element of training and recovery for endurance events. But while it undoubtedly fuels performance, there is a downside, according to researchers at Macquarie University, Sydney.

Too many carbs can make you smell.

For their trial, published in Evolution and Human Behavior, the scientists asked a group of men to provide sweat samples and women to smell them.

Results showed that the women preferred the scent of those whose diet was rich in fruits in vegetables. Carbs, it transpired, were a turn-off.

“Self-report dietary data revealed that fat, meat, egg and tofu intake was associated with more pleasant smelling sweat,” wrote the researchers.

“And greater carbohydrate intake with stronger-smelling, less pleasant sweat.”

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