Diurnal variations in olfactory sensitivity and the relationship to food intake

At least a dozen studies have investigated the effects of food intake on olfactory sensitivity. Most studies reported the existence of food-related changes in sensitivity but the findings are highly discrepant. In the present study, earlier studies are reviewed, their shortcomings discussed, and the results of an experiment are reported. Using an air-dilution olfactometer, sensitivity to the odor of acetophenone was assessed throughout the day in seven subjects on four consecutive days, both with and without lunch. In the group data no consistent pattern of changes in sensitivity related to food intake was found, although some individual subjects showed a diurnal variation. Some suggestions are made enhancing the possibility that in the future a relationship between food intake and olfactory sensitivity may be observed.