Study Reveals a Possible Link Between Diet and Sense of Smell - Video

Could what you eat influence how well you smell? A new study suggests that following a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nutritious plant-based foods may be associated with better olfactory function, while unhealthy dietary patterns could increase the likelihood of a reduced sense of smell.

Published in the journal Chemical Senses, the study examined the relationship between dietary habits and olfactory function among adults participating in the population-based Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study in Italy.

Olfactory dysfunction, which affects an estimated 22% of people, can negatively influence quality of life, food choices and nutritional health. Previous research has also linked impaired smell with increased mortality risk among older adults.

The analysis included 6,690 participants with an average age of 44.5 years, of whom 54% were women. Researchers assessed participants' sense of smell using the 16-item Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test. Individuals correctly identifying 12 or fewer odors were classified as having hyposmia, or reduced olfactory function. Dietary habits were evaluated through food frequency questionnaires and several dietary indices, including the Mediterranean Diet Index, Alternate Healthy Eating Index and plant-based diet indices.

The findings revealed that greater adherence to healthier dietary patterns was modestly associated with better odor identification. Higher consumption of fruits and vegetables was also linked to improved olfactory performance and lower odds of hyposmia. Conversely, participants following unhealthy plant-based dietary patterns showed poorer olfactory function and a greater likelihood of reduced smell sensitivity.

Researchers also observed associations between better odor identification and consumption of tea, coffee and certain alcoholic beverages. However, these findings do not suggest that alcohol improves smell or should be consumed for health benefits.

Researchers cautioned that the cross-sectional study cannot establish whether healthier diets improve smell or whether impaired olfactory function influences food preferences.

REFERENCE: Hantikainen E, Melotti R, Gögele M, Pramstaller P, Fuchsberger C, Frasnelli J (2026). Adherence to healthy plant-rich diets is associated with better olfactory function in the general population - Findings from the Cooperative Health Research in South Tyrol (CHRIS) study. Chemical Senses, bjag028. DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjag028