Alterations in taste thresholds in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Pulmonology
• Sensory Science

Background:

• Weight loss is prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Dietary interventions to increase energy intake in COPD patients are often ineffective.
• Understanding taste perception may offer insights into nutritional challenges in COPD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare taste thresholds (sweet, salty, bitter, sour) between normal-weight and underweight men with COPD.
• To investigate the association between taste thresholds and biochemical markers in COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional comparative study involving 46 men with COPD, classified as underweight (n=17) or normal-weight (n=29).
• Triangle taste tests were administered for four basic tastants.
• Health history and biochemical data were collected.
• Statistical analyses included t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and regression.

Main Results:

• Underweight COPD subjects exhibited a significantly higher bitter taste threshold compared to normal-weight subjects (P=.016).
• A significant negative correlation was observed between absolute bitter taste threshold and bicarbonate (r=-.39, P=.01) and PCO2 (r=-.34, P=.02).
• Bicarbonate levels predicted absolute bitter taste threshold (P=.011), and BMI predicted bitter taste recognition threshold (P=.031).

Conclusions:

• Patients with COPD may experience taste alterations linked to their weight and biochemical status.
• These taste changes can influence nutritional status and require tailored dietary strategies.
• Dietitians can use this information to personalize meal plans for weight management in COPD.