Sweet and Umami Taste Perception Differs with Habitual Exercise in Males

Area of Science:

• Sensory Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Taste perception is influenced by various factors, but the link to habitual exercise levels remains under-explored.
• Understanding how physical activity affects taste perception is crucial for comprehending dietary behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if habitual exercise levels are associated with differences in taste perception in adult males.
• To explore potential correlations between taste perception, eating behaviors, and habitual physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Sensory testing of sweet, salt, bitter, sour, umami, and carbohydrate (maltodextrin) stimuli at varying concentrations in active and inactive males.
• Assessment of eating behavior using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and food intake via the EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).

Main Results:

• Active males reported significantly higher perceived intensity for high-concentration sweet tastes and both high and low-concentration umami tastes.
• The active group showed a greater dislike for low-concentration umami and carbohydrate tastes.
• No significant differences were observed in salt, bitter, or sour taste perception between groups.

Conclusions:

• Habitual exercise is associated with distinct differences in sweet and umami taste perception in men.
• Taste perception variations linked to exercise may play a role in food intake and energy balance, warranting further research.
• Consideration of habitual exercise levels is recommended for taste perception research and food product development.