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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffUrine odor refers to the scent of your urine as you excrete it from your body. Urine odor varies — ranging from sweet to foul.
Urine odor is related to the volume and concentration of a variety of chemicals excreted by the kidneys. Normally, diluted urine has little to no odor. If your urine becomes highly concentrated, urine odor may have a strong ammonia quality. Many foods and medications — such as asparagus or certain vitamins — also can affect the odor of urine.
Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates an extremely rare condition, such as the metabolic disorder called maple syrup urine disease.
- Simerville JA, et al. Urinalysis: A comprehensive review. American Family Physician. 2005;71:1153.
- McPherson RA, et al. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, et al. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/109755412-5/770318069/1393/178.html#4-u1.0-B1-4160-0287-1..50031-8--cesec15_1403. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
- Carter C, et al. Urinary tract disorders. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/109755412-5/770318069/1481/587.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50054-3--cesec7_3512. Accessed Nov. 10, 2008.
