A new study shows that healthy adults release gas an average of 32 times a day – yes, this is a scientific fact, not a joke.
Researchers at the University of Maryland used “smart underwear” equipped with chemical sensors to track gas emissions of healthy adults over an entire week. The device does not account for noise or smell – it measures substances like hydrogen, a byproduct of gut bacteria activity. The results showed that the daily amount of gas ranged from only 4 emissions to almost 60, with an average of 32.
In another experiment, participants first switched to a low-fiber diet for several days, and then received fiber supplements. The device detected an increase in hydrogen levels, showing that it can track gut microbiome activity in real time.
According to lead researcher Dr. Brantley Hall, without a clear baseline of what is considered “normal,” it is difficult to know when the amount of gas is truly high. Previous estimates, based on self-reporting, gave much lower numbers – likely due to inaccurate memory, missed emissions during sleep, and subjectivity regarding what counts as a gas release.
These findings, published in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, challenge the idea that there is a “standard” number of gas emissions that can represent human digestive activity.
The research team is currently creating a “human gas atlas,” recruiting participants across a wide range – from high-fiber eaters who release little gas to people with chronic emissions – to better map gut function and ultimately improve treatments for digestive issues.