This common Asian gene is linked to less body odor and drier earwax

Did you know that most Asians’ lack of body odor has been linked to a genetic variation that is more common in the region?

The ABCC11 gene affects how the body produces odor through sweat glands, particularly in the armpits, as well as a person’s earwax type.

It comes in two main genetic forms, or alleles: the dominant G variant and the recessive A variant. The G allele is associated with wetter earwax and stronger underarm odor, while the A allele is linked to drier earwax and less noticeable body odor.

Studies suggest that the A allele is more common in East Asia, where it appears in 80% to 95% of the population. In South and Southeast Asia, it ranges from 50% to 80%.

It is as little as 0 to 10% in Europe and 0% to 5% in Africa. In the Americas, the A allele is found in about 50% of Native Americans and 0 to 5% of White Americans and African-Americans.

However, because the G allele is dominant, a person who inherits even one copy of it will typically still express the traits associated with stronger odor and wetter earwax.

ABCC11 is often cited in genetics research as a rare example of a single gene with a strong influence on certain physical traits.

As for why this genetic variation is more common in Asians, researchers have suggested that it may be linked to better body heat preservation.

READ: