Yonsei Med J.  2018 Mar;59(2):325-330. 10.3349/ymj.2018.59.2.325.

Development of a Gustatory Function Test for Clinical Application in Korean Subjects

• Hwang CS
• Kim JW
• Al Sharhan SS
• Kim JW
• Cho HJ
• Yoon JH
• Kim CH

• KMID: 2418798
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2018.59.2.325

Abstract

PURPOSE
To obtain validated clinical values suitable for developing a gustatory function test, including umami taste, in a Korean population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The investigation involved 297 participants with self-reported normal sense of taste and smell. Liquid solutions were used for the assessment of gustatory function. The test consisted of 30 taste solutions [six concentrations of five tastants (sweet, bitter, salty, sour, and umami)]. For evaluation of overall gustatory function, the number of detected or correctly recognized taste thresholds was combined to form a "taste score."
RESULTS
Mean values of each detection and recognition threshold for the five tastes in men were consistently lower than those of women. The 10th percentile of taste score for recognition was used as the cut-off value for distinguishing normogeusia from hypogeusia. In subgroup analysis, total taste score from recognition thresholds revealed a significant negative correlation with age, indicating lower scores for increasing age. Taste score for non-smokers was significantly higher than that of smokers, in terms of detection and recognition of taste sensitivities.
CONCLUSION
This gustatory function test was easy to perform, affordable, and time-saving, with the capacity to self-produce and obtain reliable data. Gustatory function was more sensitive in young people, women, and non-smokers.

Keyword

Taste; gustation; validated clinical value; umami

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Child
Female
Humans
Linear Models
Male
Middle Aged
Republic of Korea
Taste/*physiology
Taste Threshold
Young Adult

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Linear regression analysis between recognition taste score and age of subjects. The lines indicate the mean with 95% confidence interval. (B) Comparison for detection threshold obtained for each age group. (C) Comparison for recognition threshold obtained for each age group.

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