Taste sensitivity in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with altered taste processing, particularly in reward and hedonic sensitivity.
• Existing research on taste identification accuracy (taste sensitivity) in AN presents mixed findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on taste sensitivity in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
• To provide a foundation for discussing the role of altered taste sensitivity in broader taste processing abnormalities in AN.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted.
• Search terms included "anorexia nervosa" or "eating disorder" combined with "taste".
• 18 studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.

Main Results:

• Findings suggest individuals with AN may exhibit reduced taste sensitivity, potentially improving with recovery.
• Significant variability exists across studies, indicating potential methodological limitations.
• Methodological issues include small sample sizes, varied experimental designs, and uncontrolled confounding variables.

Conclusions:

• Altered taste sensitivity may be a component of the wider taste processing alterations observed in anorexia nervosa.
• The heterogeneity of current findings underscores the need for future research to address identified methodological concerns.