Léo Ramos Chaves / Revista Pesquisa FAPESPTeenagers walking in the center of the city of São PauloLéo Ramos Chaves / Revista Pesquisa FAPESP
Why does a child’s natural odor change as they become an adolescent? According to a study led by chemist Helene Loos of the University of Erlangen–Nuremberg, Germany, there is a chemical explanation. The group identified both similarities and differences when comparing adolescents (14–18 years old) and young children (0–3 years old). After puberty, two hormones linked to body odor (a strong, unpleasant smell) emerge: androstenone and androstenol. Teenagers also typically have more dodecanoic acid, which is described as having a waxy or soapy odor; alpha-isomethyl ionone, with a violet aroma; 4-ethyloctanoic acid, with a nauseating “goaty” odor; and patchouli alcohol, which a few decades ago was a popular perfume. Babies and young children, on the other hand, have more vanillin, which has a vanilla-like aroma. Previous studies indicate that mothers can distinguish the scent of their own baby, but not the scent given off by their teenager, which can be aversive. The difference may be related to the need to care for children in their early years, in contrast to the importance of giving adolescents independence after puberty (American Council of Science and Health, May 13; Communications Chemistry, March 21).
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