Urine is a byproduct of your body’s metabolism. It is formed in the kidneys and excreted through the urethra. The odor of urine can provide clues about your health.

Here are some things you should know about urine smell and what it might be telling you about your health.

What Is Normal Urine Smell?

Normal urine has a slightly sweet odor. This odor is usually not very strong and is not offensive. It is caused by the presence of urea, a nitrogen-containing compound that is the primary component of urine.

What Causes Abnormal Urine Smell?

If your urine has a strong, unpleasant odor, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Here are some of the possible causes of abnormal urine smell:.

Dehydration

If your urine is highly concentrated, it can have a strong, unpleasant smell. This is usually due to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, your body conserves water by producing less urine.

The urine that is produced is more concentrated and has a stronger odor.

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause your urine to smell strong, foul, or unpleasant. This is because UTIs are caused by bacteria that produce odor-causing compounds as they grow and multiply in the urinary tract.

Other symptoms of a UTI include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause your urine to smell strong and foul. This is because the stones can cause an infection in the urinary tract, which can cause odor-causing compounds to be produced.

Other symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the side or back, nausea and vomiting, and blood in the urine.

Liver Disease

Liver disease can cause your urine to have a sweet, fruity smell. This is because the liver is responsible for breaking down toxins in the body, and when it is not functioning properly, toxins can build up in the body and be excreted in the urine.

Other symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause your urine to have a sweet, fruity smell as well. This is because the body is unable to properly process glucose, which can lead to the buildup of ketones in the body.

Ketones are a byproduct of fat metabolism and can be excreted in the urine. Other symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, increased thirst, and blurred vision.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements can cause your urine to have a strong, unpleasant odor. For example, antibiotics can cause a strong, foul smell, while vitamin B6 supplements can cause a sweet, fruity smell.

If you suspect that a medication or supplement is causing your urine to smell abnormal, talk to your doctor.

When to See a Doctor

If your urine has a persistent strong, foul, or unpleasant odor, you should talk to your doctor.

This is especially true if you are experiencing other symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, or any other symptoms that are concerning to you. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.

Summary

Your urine can provide clues about your health. Normal urine has a slightly sweet odor, while abnormal urine odor can be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Causes of abnormal urine odor include dehydration, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, liver disease, diabetes, and medications and supplements. If you are experiencing persistent abnormal urine odor, see your doctor.