What makes poop smell bad?!
Question:
What makes poop smell bad?
Really, why does sh*t smell bad? What makes it sometimes worse than other times? Is it different by person?
Answers:
Indole and skatole are foul smelling compounds produced by the decomposition of tryptophane and other amino acids. Hydrogen sulfide is sometimes produced, causing the odor of rotten eggs. The bacteria in our intestines do good thinks like produce vitamin K, but foul odor is unfortunately an adverse side effect.
There have been reports that odors vary by family. This may be in part due to genetic variation of the person or of the person's intentinal bacteria. Dietary differences may also have an influence. Only a few (mad?) scientists have studied the subject, and my suspicion is that the powers that be at the NIH are reluctant to fund such research.