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Review
. 2024 Jul 10;72(27):15122-15127.
doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09028. Epub 2024 Jun 28.

Novel Perspective on the Plasticity of Taste Perception: Is Food- and Exercise-Induced Inflammation Associated with Sweet Taste Sensitivity and Preference?

Isabella Kimmeswenger  1   2 , Barbara Lieder  1   3   4
Affiliations
Review

Novel Perspective on the Plasticity of Taste Perception: Is Food- and Exercise-Induced Inflammation Associated with Sweet Taste Sensitivity and Preference?

Isabella Kimmeswenger et al. J Agric Food Chem. .

Abstract

Obesity-related inflammation has been linked to decreased taste sensitivity and changes in the transcriptome of the taste apparatus. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines can also be found to be food-associated in individuals who consume high amounts of long-chain saturated fatty acids and sucrose independent of the body composition or individuals who exercise intensively. Previous research suggests a link between taste sensitivity and food choices. However, the interplay between food- or exercise-induced low-grade inflammation, taste perception, and food choices remains unaddressed. Understanding this relationship could provide an unnoticed explanation for interindividual differences in taste perception that influences dietary habits.

Keywords: food choices; inflammation; physical activity; taste perception; taste preferences.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Graphical overview of the hypothesis. We hypothesize that intense physical activity affects taste perception in a manner similar to obesity and the consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet. Accordingly, both exercise- and obesity-induced inflammation lead to a decrease in taste sensitivity and, as a result, influence taste preferences.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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