Rare gene only certain people in the world have 'makes you cleaner'

24 June 2024 , 11:51

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You could have the 'world's most average superpower' that prevents body odour (Image: Getty Images)

As hot summer temperatures sweep across the UK, many of us will unfortunately be sweating as a result. Putting on a bit of extra deodorant can help put a stop to smelly pits - but some people in the world don't need any at all.

There are rare individuals that sweat less than the average human being. The reason behind being a naturally less sweaty person has been explained by Dr Karan Rajan.

In a video to his 1.3m Instagram followers, the NHS surgeon described the defect as the "world's most average superpower". He explained: "About two percent of you watching this video probably have a glitchy ABCC11 gene and stink free armpits.

"That figure goes up to 90% if you're of east Asian descent. Most of us odorous peasants have a normal copy of the ABCC11 gene which means we get body odour.

"This stinky biology is because the sweat glands in the armpits and in the groin release fatty compounds or lipids into the sweat and bacteria on our skin use this to produce oilier, thicker body odour."

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He added: "But, a special few have a defective copy of these gene and less body odour which is why in many East Asian countries where there's no stink genotype that is highly prevalent, the deodorant section in supermarkets is likely to be far smaller than in the western world."

How to check if you have this gene variant:

Dr Rajan added: "You don't need a genetic test or risk social exclusion by not wearing deodorant to determine if you have this gene mutation. You can find out by taking a quick look in your ear to check your ear wax type.

"If you stink, you'll probably have wet ear wax. But, if you're one of the chosen few, then your buy one get one free superpower is no only no body odour but also dry earwax."

While an overwhelming amount of East Asians have the mutation, it is present in only up to 3% of European and African populations, according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. It suggested that historically gene carriers (people with less body odour) may have been preferred as sexual partners, resulting in a larger population with the dysfunction of the gene.

Andrew Nuttall