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DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688149
Charactersiation of bitter and salty taste perception and its influence on dietary intake
Publication History
Publication Date:
07 May 2019 (online)
Introduction:
Eating behavior is a complex issue and gustatory sensation is one of its main drivers. This study aimed to investigate the association of bitter and salty taste perception on dietary intake in a large human cohort.
Probands and Methods:
1789 probands participated in a bitter- and salty taste perception study. Intensities of bitter and salty tasting drinking solutions were rated on a general labeled magnitude scale (gLMS). To obtain information on the nutritional behavior over a time period of 12 months, the probands filled in an extensive self-administrated food frequency questionnaire.
Results:
The cohort investigated comprises 1789 probands, exhibits a median age of 52 (43 – 63 [IQR]) and a median BMI of 28 (24 – 36) with a gender ratio of 37/63 (male/female) and a median HOMA of 2.4 (1.5 – 4.5). Probands in general rated salty tasting solutions more intense than bitter solutions. By investigating different nutrient groups (carbohydrates, proteins, fat, organic acids, fibers and minerals) we found salt- and bitter sensitivity to be negatively associated with fat intake of the probands, while the intake of fat and salt strongly correlated. No association was found for bitter taste perception and the intake of monosaccharides.
Conclusion:
Sensation capabilites for bitter and salty tasting substances seem to be strong drivers in eating behavior. Especially fat intake might be increased by taste resistance towards salty and bitter. The hunger for sweets (Monosaccharides) could not be explained by a high sensitivity towards bitter substances.
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