The Impact of Pregnancy on Taste Function

Abstract

It is common for women to report a change in taste (for instance an increased bitter or decreased sweet response) during pregnancy, however specifics of any variation in taste with pregnancy remain elusive. Here we review studies of taste in pregnancy, and discuss how physiological changes occurring during pregnancy may influence taste signaling. We aim to consolidate studies of human pregnancy and "taste function" (studies of taste thresholds, discrimination, and intensity perception, rather than hedonic response or self-report), discussing differences in methodology and findings. Generally, the majority of studies report either no change, or an increase in threshold/decrease in perceived taste intensity, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy, suggesting a possible decrease in taste acuity when pregnant. We further discuss several non-human studies of taste and pregnancy that may extend our understanding. Findings demonstrate that taste buds express receptors for many of the same hormones and circulating factors that vary with pregnancy. Circulating gonadal hormones or other contributions from the endocrine system, as well as physiological changes in weight and immune response could all bear some responsibility for such a modulation of taste during pregnancy. Given our growing understanding of taste, we propose that a change in taste function during pregnancy may not be solely driven by hormonal fluctuations of progesterone and estrogen, as many have suggested.

Gustatory Function of Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women in a Tertiary Health Institution

“…In pregnancy, many physiological changes take place and a change in taste is one of them. [6][7] This is confirmed in this present study where 30% of the pregnant women experienced change in taste. About 40% of the pregnant women have specific taste preference while only 22% of them detest particular taste.…”

“…23 A change in taste sensitivity has been reported in similar studies on pregnant women. 6,7,24,25 The taste detection threshold of pregnant women was significantly lower when compared to nonpregnant women (P ¼ .002 or Table 2). Decrease in a particular taste sensitivity or detection threshold will make the individuals to add supplements that will improve the missing taste to their food so as to have savory meals.…”

Prolonged Exposure to Monosodium Glutamate in Healthy Young Adults Decreases Perceived Umami Taste and Diminishes Appetite for Savory Foods

“…Regardless, sex differences are regularly observed in taste (3,11,45,46), although many studies lack an assessment of umami (10,11,47). Circulating sex hormones such as estrogen have been hypothesized to differentially influence taste perception between sexes (46), particularly during pregnancy and certain phases of the menstrual cycle (48,49). Despite this, baseline and post-treatment testing sessions were separated by 28 days, the approximate length of a typical menstrual cycle (50), limiting any effect of menstrual cycle on taste.…”

Results of the Sweet Taste Cognitive Threshold Test of 38 Peoples who Participated in the Sweet Teste Test using Teste-Disks at the University Festival

“…It has reported that sweetness susceptibility changes in older 1) , and stressed conditions 2) . It also reported that sweets may be eaten too much during pregnancy 3) and quit smoking 4,5) . It also reported that the threshold for sweetness may increase by eating a lot of sweets during childhood when the taste is created 6,7,8) .…”