Sensory influences on food intake and utilization in humans

Sensory, particularly chemosensory, experiences play an important role in food intake as well as digestive and metabolic processes which influence nutrient utilization in humans. This review first presents evidence that the sensory properties of foods and the sensory capacities of individuals with marked, marginal or no apparent nutrient deficiencies influence dietary practices. This is followed by a consideration of data demonstrating an impact of oral sensory stimulation on salivary, gastric and both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic secretion. Next, because of the absence of human studies, animal models are described which demonstrate that chemosensory stimulation can alter nutrient absorption. Finally, studies on preterm infants are presented as evidence that oral stimulation alone can influence growth efficiency. While an understanding of these issues remains incomplete, applications of existing knowledge could hold important nutritional and clinical implications.