Excuse me for bringing up the topic, but has anyone noticed an acrid perspiration smell while on Atkins? I'm wondering if it is from the processed meats ....
I have never had such a strong smell, though I'm a very active runner and weight-lifter.

I, who had very mild perspiration odor pre LC now noticed it much stronger. I don't believe its the processed meats because I eat very little of such - I basically follow a KISS menu. I believe its the ketones that are expelled thru your sweat glands. I would suggest using a deoderant body powder on top of using the anti perspirent - I had to change my normal deoderant for something a bit "stronger".

Thanks for your quick reply ... do you have any other advice for me as a veteran low-carber? I noticed we have similar statistics and you've done so well on this way of life for almost a year ... I've been doing Atkins since January.

It sucks but it means your body is releasing ketones.
Mine doesn't always stay though. I usually notice it when I am actually loosing. So it could be a good sign!

BUN is a chemical produced by the metabilism of protein. It is used as an indicator of possible kidney disease. While on the Zone diet my BUN was quite high. When I went to a vegetarian diet the BUN dropped dramatically and the BO problem went away.

A high meat diet, specifically beef, produces a lot of BUN. BUN will exude through the pores and increase body odor in sweat. I control it by eating fish instead of beef. Also I prefer beans and tofu to meat.


If you like meat, then drink a lot of water to dilute the BUN in the bloodstream.

I have been to embarrassed to bring it up but I too am emitting a stronger than usual odor. It's not BO persay....I don't smell like an sweaty locker room! It's just an odor that...well...is THERE. Thanks for the info.

Actually, if the odor is so so bad that others are noticing it or if you yourself can't stand it than it is possible there be an underlying cause (not only ketone expulsion).

I find that the more I lose the body odor is getting less too...possibly because things are slowing down...or perhaps because I am fanatical with cleanliness (take showers 2x a day). Hubby doesn't seem to complain and only rarely "noticed" the smell (usually after heavy work in the yard).

No body odor here, but my breath is blech....

Guess the smellier the better eh?