Taste preferences and sensory perceptions in female varsity swimmers

Taste preferences and sensory estimates of sweetness and fat content of 16 dairy stimuli with varying levels of fat (0%, 3.5%, 10.5% and 37.6%) and sucrose (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%) were compared in members of a Division I college women's swim team and women who did not engage in any organized sports. No differences in taste preferences or sensory estimates were observed for swimmers across the athletic season. However, swimmers had significantly lower preference ratings for high-sucrose and high-fat stimuli than controls. Controls who reported exercising more than 3 h a week also displayed decreased preference ratings for high-sucrose and high-fat stimuli relative to controls who reported exercising less than 3 h a week. With respect to sensory estimates, swimmers reported that high-sucrose stimuli were sweeter, low-fat stimuli were less fatty, and high-fat stimuli were more fatty than controls. The preference ratings and sensory estimates of these athletes were similar to those previously seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa and bulimia.