Do You Have The Asparagus or Cilantro "Gene"?

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But for one third of people, they never smell an asparagus urine odor, says Amy Krambeck, M.D., a urologist at IU Health Methodist Hospital, who specializes in the surgical and medical treatment of stone disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

“Every person processes asparagus the same way,” says Dr. Krambeck. “But a small percentage of the population has a genetic mutation in their olfactory perception and are unable to perceive the odor.”

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“It may surprise you to learn that those who dislike cilantro tend to have a gene that detects the aldehyde part of cilantro as a soapy smell and taste,” Dr. Vyas says.

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Some people possess a gene that makes them super-sensitive to the aldehyde component found in cilantro and other foods and products. One study noted a very specific genetic link near the olfactory center of DNA in about 10% of those with cilantro aversion.

What’s even more interesting, according to the study, women are more likely to detect a soapy taste and dislike cilantro. And African-Americans, Latinos, East Asians and South Asians are significantly less likely to detect a soapy taste when compared with Europeans.

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