Positive association between bitter taste threshold and preference of vegetables among adolescents. (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hald, Mathias; Hald, Minna Onat; Stankovic, Jelena; Niklassen, Andreas Steenholt; Ovesen, Therese
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 110:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 875
• Page End: 880
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: adolescents -- chemosensation -- children and nutrition -- food intake habits -- taste preferences; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.15483
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Better understanding of aspects of taste in adolescents is needed since it has bearings on food policies, food industry and pharmaceutical design. Furthermore, taste preferences likely play a role in overeating and anorexia. We aimed to validate a questionnaire about taste preferences and dietary habits along with measurements of sense of smell and taste. Methods: We included adolescents from nearby schools in Aarhus, Denmark, from 2017 to 2019. Scoring preferences and habits on a Likert scale, they completed a food item questionnaire. Their chemosensation was tested by the Sniffin' Sticks and Taste Drop Test. Results: We included 100 adolescents: 53 males, 47 females; average age: 15.9 years (12‐17 years). Retest of the questionnaire showed good reliability (Cohen's kappa: 0.5953). Snacks scored the highest average liking (4.48), whereas starches had the highest frequency of consumption (3.64). Bitter taste threshold was positively associated with liking and familiarity with vegetables ( P = .032; P = .012), respectively. Healthy self‐reported dietary habits were associated with a higher self‐reported consumption of vegetables and a decreased consumption of snacks. Conclusion: Adolescents preferred unhealthy food items, but they also reported more frequent consumption of healthy than unhealthy food items. A higher threshold for the bitter taste, that is, being less sensitive to bitter taste, was associated with higher liking and familiarity of vegetables.