Structural equation modeling of associations among taste‐related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity

Abstract

ObjectiveVariation in taste perception and exposure to risk factors of taste alterations have been independently linked with elevated adiposity. Using a laboratory database, we modeled taste-adiposity associations and examined whether taste functioning mediates the association between taste-related risk factors and adiposity.MethodsHealthy women (n=407, 35.5±16.9 years) self-reported histories of risk factors of altered taste functioning (tonsillectomy, multiple ear infections, head trauma) and were assessed for taste functioning (tongue-tip and whole-mouth intensities of quinine and salt) and density of taste papillae. Twenty-four percent had elevated waist circumferences; 39% were overweight or had obesity. Using structural equation modeling, we tested direct and indirect associations between taste-related risk factors, taste functioning, and adiposity.ResultsIn models with good fit, elevated central adiposity was explained directly by history of risk factors (tonsillectomy, multiple ear infections) and directly by lower taste functioning (lower tongue-tip taste function, lower papillae density). Risk factors of taste alterations were significantly associated with lower taste functioning, with taste mediating the association between head trauma and reduced adiposity.ConclusionThis large laboratory-based study supports associations between taste-related risk factors, taste functioning and adiposity. Our findings need to be confirmed with other population-based studies, including the NHANES 2013–2014 taste data.

Associations between Otitis media, taste sensitivity and adiposity: Two studies across childhood

“…Similar taste function impairments were observed among adults with chronic OM mesotympanalis, with the largest changes reported for sweet and salty tastes (19). This model has also been supported in a large sample of healthy women, where history of OM was linked to reduced taste intensity of bitter tastant quinine (20). In the same study, greater central adiposity was associated with history of tonsillectomy and multiple ear infections, and with poorer taste functioning (20).…”

“…This model has also been supported in a large sample of healthy women, where history of OM was linked to reduced taste intensity of bitter tastant quinine (20). In the same study, greater central adiposity was associated with history of tonsillectomy and multiple ear infections, and with poorer taste functioning (20). Whilst there is a small literature on the relationships between OM and taste function in adults, taste function among children with OM history requires further investigation.…”

Effect of chemical interaction between oleic acid and L-Arginine on oral perception, as a function of polymorphisms of CD36 and OBPIIa and genetic ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil

“…There is some evidence that a link exists between accumulation of adiposity and reduced chemosensory functions, such as decreased oral fat sensation [ 85 – 91 ], sweet taste [ 92 ], salty and bitter taste [ 93 ], umami taste [ 94 ] and general taste and smell capacity [ 95 ]. However, other authors report inconsistent data [ 96 , 97 ], which could be due to the presence of confounding variables [ 98 – 100 ].…”

Factors Influencing the Phenotypic Characterization of the Oral Marker, PROP

“…It has often been hypothesized that chemosensory perceptions are blunted in obesity. This supposition is based on evidence showing reductions in oral fat sensation [ 108 , 109 , 110 ], sweet taste [ 111 ], bitter and salty taste [ 112 ], umami taste [ 113 ] and general taste and smell ability [ 114 ] among populations with obesity. However, some studies show no apparent disruptions in the perception of fattiness and sweetness from food products in obese individuals [ 52 ], or in the oral detection of fatty acids [ 115 ].…”