Urine odor refers to the scent of the fluid excreted during urination. Urine odor varies. However, if you drink enough fluids and are otherwise healthy, urine does not usually have a strong smell.

Changes in urine odor are usually temporary. Such changes are not always a sign of disease. Certain foods and medicines, including vitamins, may affect your urine's odor. For example, asparagus causes a characteristic urine odor.

However, foul smelling urine may be due to bacteria, such as that responsible for urinary tract infections. Sweet smelling urine may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or a rare disease of metabolism. Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty smelling urine.

Abnormal urine odor may indicate:

• Dehydration (concentrated urine can have an ammonia-like scent)
• Hepatic (liver) failure
• Ketonuria
• Maple sugar urine disease (very rare)
• Phenylketonuria (rare)
• Rectal fistula
• Urinary tract infection