Urine sometimes develops a strange, savory aroma, often described as smelling like chicken broth or noodles. While a change in scent can be unsettling, it is most often a temporary and benign result of recent consumption. Urine odor depends on volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are aromatic chemical substances excreted as byproducts of metabolism after the body breaks down foods, supplements, or medications.
Diet and Concentration
The most frequent cause of a strong or unusual urine smell is the concentration of waste products due to inadequate fluid intake. When dehydrated, the kidneys conserve water, resulting in darker urine with a higher ratio of metabolic waste, such as urea.
Specific foods and spices, such as garlic, onions, asparagus, or heavily spiced dishes, are rich in sulfur-containing compounds. When metabolized, these compounds produce pungent, savory, or meaty smells. These aromatic sulfur metabolites are what the reader may be interpreting as a “noodle broth” or savory smell.
A diet high in protein generates excess nitrogenous waste, converted into urea. If excreted without sufficient water, urea can break down into ammonia, creating a sharp odor sometimes misidentified as savory.
Supplements and Medications
Non-food items processed by the body, specifically certain vitamins and medications, are highly concentrated sources of odor-producing compounds. B-complex vitamins are water-soluble; excess amounts are quickly filtered by the kidneys and excreted. This often results in bright yellow urine.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1), an organosulfur compound common in B-complex supplements, carries a strong, distinct odor. Its metabolites are readily detectable and can be described as savory or fishy. High doses of other B vitamins, such as B6, also contribute to an unusual scent.
Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications can also release volatile metabolites that alter the urine’s aroma. Sulfonamide antibiotics, often used for urinary tract infections, give urine a distinct, chemical odor.
Underlying Metabolic Issues
While diet and supplements are the most common causes, a persistent, unexplained savory odor can occasionally signal an underlying metabolic or systemic health condition.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD)
MSUD is a rare inherited metabolic disorder where the body cannot break down certain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The accumulation of byproducts, specifically keto-acids, leads to a distinct odor in the urine. Although the smell is classically described as sweet or like burnt sugar, it is sometimes interpreted as a brothy or savory scent.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause a change in urine odor due to the body’s switch to burning fat for energy, a process called ketosis. This produces a buildup of acidic waste products called ketones, such as acetone. While the smell of ketones is often described as sweet or fruity, it is a very strong, unusual scent that could be misinterpreted as savory or chemical.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are another cause of unusual urine odor. Bacteria in the urinary tract can break down urea, creating a strong, ammonia-like smell. Depending on the specific bacteria and the individual’s perception, this foul or pungent odor may sometimes be confused with a savory smell.
Seeking Medical Advice
Most instances of unusual urine odor are temporary and resolve within a day or two after adjusting diet or hydration. However, if the savory smell persists for longer than a few days, despite increasing water intake, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.
Immediate medical attention is needed if the odor is accompanied by pain or burning during urination, blood, cloudiness, fever, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or flank pain. These symptoms can indicate a serious issue, such as a kidney or bladder infection. A medical professional can perform a simple urine test to rule out infection or detect the presence of ketones or other metabolic byproducts.