Sweating is a universal human function, but how we sweat—and more importantly, how we smell—can vary significantly across populations. One of the most intriguing biological differences lies in the way many East Asians experience perspiration and body odor. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not that Asians don’t sweat at all, but rather that their sweat tends to be less pungent. The reason? A fascinating genetic mutation in the ABCC11 gene.To get more news about do asians sweat, you can visit shine news official website.
The Role of Sweat Glands
Humans have two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are responsible for regulating body temperature and are found all over the body. These glands produce a watery, odorless sweat. Apocrine glands, on the other hand, are concentrated in areas like the armpits and groin. They secrete a thicker fluid rich in proteins and lipids, which bacteria on the skin break down—resulting in body odor.
The ABCC11 Gene Mutation
The key to understanding why many East Asians have less body odor lies in the ABCC11 gene. A specific mutation in this gene affects the function of apocrine glands. Studies show that between 80% and 95% of East Asians carry this mutation, which leads to reduced secretion of the odor-causing compounds in sweat. As a result, individuals with this gene variant often produce drier earwax and significantly less body odor.
This mutation is far less common in people of European or African descent, where the majority of individuals have fully functional apocrine glands and, consequently, a greater need for deodorant.
Cultural and Social Implications
This genetic trait has led to some interesting cultural differences. In many East Asian countries, deodorant is not a daily necessity for most people and is often less commonly used or marketed. In contrast, in Western countries, deodorant is a staple of personal hygiene routines.
Interestingly, in some East Asian societies, producing noticeable body odor can be considered a medical condition known as osmidrosis. Individuals who do experience it may seek medical treatments ranging from topical solutions to surgical removal of sweat glands.
Evolutionary Theories
Why did this mutation become so prevalent in East Asia? While the exact evolutionary pressures remain unclear, some scientists speculate that it may have been an adaptation to colder climates, where less sweating and body odor would have been advantageous. Others suggest it could be a result of sexual selection or random genetic drift.
Not All Asians Are the Same
It’s important to note that “Asians” encompass a vast and diverse group of people. While East Asians—such as Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese—have a high prevalence of the ABCC11 mutation, this is not necessarily true for South Asians or Southeast Asians. Genetic diversity within Asia is immense, and generalizations should be made with caution.
