Even Daily Showers Can't Prevent This Unpleasant "Old Person Smell"... Is the Answer in Mushrooms?

So-called "Old Person Smell" Caused by Lipid Peroxidation
Mushroom Consumption Rich in Antioxidants Can Reduce Odor
Shiitake and Oyster Mushrooms Are Especially Effective

Experts have advised that consuming mushrooms can be effective in addressing the characteristic unpleasant body odor associated with aging.

Shiitake mushroom. Pixabay

According to a recent report by the New York Post, Leslie Kenny, founder of the UK-based anti-aging supplement brand Oxford Healthspan, explained that so-called "old person smell" occurs due to "lipid peroxidation" on the surface of the skin as people age. Kenny stated, "Old person smell is caused by the oxidation of lipids on the skin," adding, "This is similar to oxidation throughout the body. If antioxidants are lacking, the odor gradually accumulates and lingers for a long time because cell regeneration slows down."

Kenny compared this process to the body "rusting," and identified a compound called 2-nonenal as the main culprit for the odor. This compound is produced when sebum secreted by the skin is oxidized. As people age, the skin's antioxidant function weakens and omega-7 fatty acids break down, leading to the formation of this compound.

She particularly emphasized that this age-related odor cannot be washed away or masked with perfume like ordinary sweat odor. In fact, using perfume may cover up the odor and make it even more musty.

Regarding solutions, Kenny said, "To eliminate this odor, you have to address it from within," stressing the importance of managing it through a diet that includes mushrooms, which are rich in antioxidants.

Mushrooms are abundant in ergothioneine, an amino acid with powerful antioxidant properties that can prevent lipid peroxidation and help stop the odor from developing. Ergothioneine also has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies have shown that people who frequently eat mushrooms have about half the risk of developing cognitive impairment compared to others.

Additionally, mushrooms are a source of spermidine, an organic compound that promotes autophagy (the body's process of cleaning out damaged cells), which helps remove and regenerate damaged cellular components. This process is effective for anti-aging, maintaining metabolic efficiency, and reducing age-related body odor.

Kenny noted that while all mushrooms are beneficial, shiitake and oyster mushrooms are the most effective sources of these nutrients. She identified hormonal decline and reduced cell regeneration as the main causes of age-related odor, explaining, "As hormones decrease, this odor accumulates more easily, and as people get older, slower cell regeneration causes the odor to linger longer."

She continued, "Ergothioneine prevents lipid oxidation, and spermidine supports autophagy, making mushrooms the perfect food to address this odor. Especially around menopause, it is important to consume foods rich in ergothioneine to prevent the odor, and even if the odor has already developed with age, eating mushrooms can help improve it."

Meanwhile, mushrooms are also known to help not only with improving body odor but also with inhibiting cancer progression, lowering blood pressure, improving insulin resistance, protecting against brain damage, and maintaining bone health.