Revealed, this is the secret of South Korean and Japanese residents who don't have armpit odor

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – A study says that South Korean and Japanese people have less body odor than people in other countries because of a gene called ABCC11. This gene determines the type of sweat produced by a person's body.

Quoting Detik.com, Thursday (2/8/2024), there are two main types of sweat glands, namely eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands produce thin, odorless sweat, while apocrine glands secrete a thicker, odorous substance.

Meanwhile, the ABC011 gene controls the function of the apocrine glands. This variant is often found among East Asians, where it reduces the production of smelly sweat by limiting the activity of the apocrine glands. According to research, around 80%-95% of Koreans and Japanese people have this gene variant.

When people sweat, not only water is released, but also salt, protein and other compounds. Body odor occurs when bacteria on the skin break down these compounds, releasing odorous substances in the process.

The research further stated that the apocrine glands, which are mostly found in the armpits and groin, produce sweat which contains more protein and lipids. This compound is a nest for bacteria. Thus, causing a stronger odor.

However, the ABCC11 gene variant has less active apocrine glands. Therefore, those who have this gene produce less odor-causing sweat.

Several studies have also shown a strong correlation between ABCC11 gene variants and East Asian populations. Research in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology noted that 80%-95% of Koreans and Japanese people carry this gene variant, then only around 2% of Europeans and 3% of Africans have this variant.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(ayh/ayh)