Sweating is a normal bodily function to control body temperature. Body odor accompanying sweat also is normal. Bacteria on your skin feed off perspiration and produce odor as a result. Odors emanate from other body parts, such as your mouth and anus, due to natural or disease-related causes. Unusual changes in your body can signal a more serious underlying condition, according to MayoClinic.com. An excess of certain foods or drinks can cause a distinctive body odor. Vitamin deficiencies may play a role in foul body odor. Talk to your doctor before trying any home remedies to alleviate body odor problems.
Vitamin B12
An unpleasant body odor may be a symptom of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Other symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, weight loss, shortness of breath and diminished reflexes. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat and protein. It is necessary for nerve tissue regeneration and cell development. Strict vegetarians often lack a sufficient level of vitamin B12 because meat, especially organ, meat is a prime dietary source. Older people do not absorb necessary vitamins as effectively and need an extra boost of vitamin B12 to prevent side effects, such as foul body odor and bad breath. Alternative dietary sources of vitamin B12 include shellfish, cheese and eggs.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals that are ingested with food or accumulated from environmental pollutants. When your body is low in vitamin C, you are more likely to retain bacteria on the outside of your skin. According to MayoClinic.com, apocrine glands in your scalp, groin and armpits secrete a fatty sweat that can cause an unpleasant body odor when bacteria feed on it. Compounds from smelly foods, like garlic and onions, can be retained by your body and secreted with your sweat. Vitamin C deficiency that leads to gum disease can lead to body odor coming from your mouth.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption and development of strong bones. When you have a vitamin D deficiency, your body cannot absorb the necessary calcium needed to keep your jawbones strong. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can lead to gingivitis, a gum disease that can cause bad breath. In addition to persistent bad breath, you may develop swollen gums, loose teeth and bleeding from your gums.
Vitamin A
Your body needs adequate amounts of vitamin A to build a healthy immune system. Common causes of excessive sweating that lead to unpleasant body odor, also called bromhidrosis, are injuries, infections and autoimmune disorders. Cancer, hyperthyroidism, menopause and drug withdrawals also can lead to excessive sweating.
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