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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
09:17
Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
Published on: July 16, 2016
[Changed taste perception in patients with eating disorders].
Lars Wöckel1, Thomas Hummel, Florian Daniel Zepf
1Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters der Universitätsklinik Frankfurt am Main. woeckel@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Summary
Anorectic patients have fewer fungiform papillae (fPap) and reduced 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) bitter taste sensitivity. This suggests a link between taste perception, fPap number, and eating disorder development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Physiology
Context:
- Taste perception is a hereditary trait influencing dietary habits.
- Fungiform papillae (fPap) on the tongue are crucial for taste information.
- Eating disorders significantly impact an individual's relationship with food and body image.
Purpose:
- To investigate the relationship between the number of fungiform papillae (fPap), 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity, and body mass index (BMI) in patients with eating disorders.
- To compare these factors between individuals with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and healthy controls.
Summary:
- The study included 18 female patients (anorexia or bulimia nervosa) and 15 age-matched female controls.
- fPap count and PROP sensitivity were assessed. Results showed anorectic patients had significantly fewer fPap compared to controls and bulimic patients, particularly among non-tasters (PROP negative).
- No significant difference in fPap was found between tasters and non-tasters within groups, though a trend towards higher BMI was observed in bulimic and healthy non-tasters.
Impact:
- A reduced number of fPap is associated with decreased PROP sensitivity in anorectic patients, a novel finding.
- Variations in fPap number and PROP sensitivity may influence the pathophysiology of eating behavior and taste perception.
- These findings contribute to understanding the development of eating disorders and the role of sensory processing.
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