Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
Published on: July 16, 2016
Taste as a deterrent in pediatric poisonings
Abstract:
Seven hundred and two children were tested to see how much they would ingest of two commercially available potassium supplements, one an effervescent tablet and the other a powder. The results showed that the children would not ingest either formulation in amounts that even equalled a single adult therapeutic dose. The children appeared to be deterred by both the effervescent quality of the tablet and the unpleasant, metallic after-taste of the powder. An unpleasant taste may act as a deterrent to the child, keeping him from ingesting a toxic amount of a product, at least, when the product has relatively low toxicity.
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