Taste: the neglected nutritional factor

Scientists now think that every taste bud has some degree of sensitivity to all the primary taste sensations. The brain detects the type of taste by the ratio of stimulation of different taste buds. Many different substances have flavor-enhancing capacity, including ingredients that represent the primary tastes. Medications, chronic disorders, and radiation therapy can alter taste perception, resulting in loss of appetite. Individualizing nutrition advice, with consideration of taste, health needs, and personal preferences, is a "signature dish" of quality dietetics practice.