New research reveals the surprisingly wide range of normal flatulence rates, highlighting a need for more detailed understanding of gut health.
The Mystery of the Average Fart
For a bodily function as universal as flatulence, surprisingly little scientific data existed on how often the average person actually farts. Researchers at the University of Maryland have taken a step towards changing that, developing a wearable device (“Smart Underwear”) to track intestinal gas production. The team, led by assistant professor Brantley Hall, discovered that the average healthy adult passes gas roughly 32 times per day, though individual rates vary widely from 4 to 59 times daily.
This lack of baseline data has previously hindered diagnosis of excessive flatulence or other gut-related problems. Without knowing what’s “normal,” it’s hard to determine what isn’t.
How the “Smart Underwear” Works
The device isn’t literal underwear; instead, it’s a sensor-equipped attachment for clothing. It detects hydrogen and methane—gases produced by gut bacteria—along with carbon dioxide and oxygen. The study involved 19 participants wearing the device for a week, excluding periods of intense exercise or travel.
Researchers also tested the device under controlled conditions, observing how gas production changed when participants consumed fiber supplements. The “Smart Underwear” accurately detected the microbiome’s increased activity in response to the fiber intake, confirming its viability as a research tool.
Why This Matters
The study’s findings challenge the idea that a single “average” fart rate exists. Gut physiology varies considerably, and this variability underscores the need for more comprehensive gut health research.
“We’ve learned a tremendous amount about which microbes live in the gut, but less about what they’re actually doing at any given moment,” Hall stated.
Hall has since launched the Human Flatus Atlas, a long-term research initiative to collect population-wide flatulence data. The goal is to establish a baseline that could help develop more effective treatments for gut-related conditions.
Ultimately, better understanding flatulence isn’t just about counting farts; it’s about improving our ability to diagnose and treat digestive health issues.
