Yes, mushrooms can help prevent the distinctive “old people smell” by providing antioxidants like ergothioneine that inhibit lipid peroxidation and compounds like spermidine that promote cellular renewal, thereby reducing the buildup of odor-causing compounds such as 2-nonenal on aging skin.
Many people recognize a distinctive odor often associated with elderly individuals, sometimes described as a mix of mothballs, wet cardboard, stale canned goods, and dead leaves. This scent, colloquially known as “old people smell,” is not simply a matter of hygiene but arises from biochemical changes in the skin as we age.
The Science Behind the Smell
Research has identified a compound called 2-nonenal as a major contributor to this characteristic odor. 2-Nonenal is an unsaturated aldehyde with a greasy, grassy, and somewhat musty scent. It is produced through the oxidative breakdown of omega-7 fatty acids present in the skin’s surface lipids. As people age, especially after around 40 years old, the amount of omega-7 fatty acids and lipid peroxides on the skin increases significantly, which promotes the formation of 2-nonenal[1][5][7].
This process is a form of lipid peroxidation, which Leslie Kenny, a longevity expert, likens to the body “rusting.” The skin’s natural antioxidant defenses decline with age, allowing more oxidation of skin lipids and accumulation of 2-nonenal. Unlike typical body odor caused by bacteria, this “old people smell” cannot be easily washed away or masked by perfume because it originates from within the skin and lingers due to slower cellular turnover in older adults[2].
Why Does It Linger?
Two main factors contribute to the persistence of this smell:
– Hormonal changes: As hormone levels drop with age, the conditions that favor lipid peroxidation worsen.
– Reduced cellular turnover: Older skin renews itself more slowly, so the oxidized lipids and associated odor compounds remain longer on the skin surface[2].
The Superfood Solution: Mushrooms
Leslie Kenny highlights mushrooms as a powerful dietary tool to combat this odor from the inside out. Mushrooms are rich in:
– Ergothioneine: A potent antioxidant that helps prevent lipid peroxidation, thereby reducing the production of 2-nonenal.
– Spermidine: A compound that activates autophagy, the body’s cellular recycling process that removes damaged components and promotes skin renewal.
By increasing antioxidant intake and supporting cellular renewal, mushrooms help reduce the buildup of the compounds responsible for the “old people smell.” Kenny particularly recommends shiitake and oyster mushrooms for their high nutrient content[2].
Additional Benefits of Mushrooms
Beyond odor control, mushrooms have been shown to:
– Slow cancer progression
– Lower blood pressure
– Improve insulin resistance
– Protect brain health
– Support bone strength
Research also links mushroom consumption to a lower risk of prostate and breast cancers. Their rich vitamin D content further supports immune function, making mushrooms a beneficial addition to a healthy aging diet[2].
Practical Advice
To help prevent or reduce the characteristic aging odor:
– Incorporate ergothioneine-rich mushrooms regularly in your diet.
– Support overall skin health with antioxidants.
– Maintain good hygiene but recognize that washing alone won’t eliminate the odor.
– Understand that this smell is a natural biochemical process, not a reflection of cleanliness.
Summary
The distinctive “old people smell” is caused primarily by the accumulation of 2-nonenal, a byproduct of lipid peroxidation on aging skin. This process is driven by increased omega-7 fatty acids and reduced antioxidant defenses. Mushrooms, especially shiitake and oyster varieties, provide ergothioneine and spermidine, which combat oxidative damage and promote cellular renewal, helping to prevent and reduce this odor naturally from within[1][2][5][7].
Read More
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15411984
[2] https://nypost.com/2025/06/20/health/why-old-people-smell-happens-and-a-superfood-to-prevent-it/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_person_smell
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2865286/
[5] https://iconic-elements.com/en/the-mysterious-scent-of-time-2-nonenal-the-scent-of-the-elderly/
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/NormMacdonald/comments/1lg4m5b/scientists_have_recently_identified_a_superfood/
[7] https://www.unilad.com/news/health/why-old-people-smell-different-601954-20240613
[8] https://gizmodo.com/science-confirms-that-old-people-really-do-have-a-smell-1472502978
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ooz8OlDeXo
[10] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-7-different-foods-affect-your-body-odor