Diet
A person’s diet can make their sweat smell like ammonia.
A person who eats a diet high in protein but low in carbohydrates may produce ammonia that the body then releases in sweat.
The body usually uses carbohydrates for energy by converting them into glucose because carbohydrates are the fastest energy supply. However, if there aren’t enough carbohydrates, the body will use protein for energy.
Protein breaks down into amino acids, which the body converts into ammonia. The body then releases this ammonia through urine and sweat, which may produce an odor.
Dehydration can also make the sweat smell like ammonia. This is because the body needs water to get rid of ammonia through sweat.
If there is not enough water to dilute the ammonia as it is released by the body, the smell of ammonia may be stronger.
Exercise
Some research suggests exercise affects ammonia levels in sweat. A
2007 study found that ammonia levels in sweat increased as a person exercised more intensely.
A
2005 study found that while ammonia levels in sweat increased significantly during exercise, ammonia levels in sweat reduced over the 24 hour period after exercise and remained low after 72 hours.
This suggests a person may find their sweat smells most strongly of ammonia during or just after exercise.