Influence of age and gender on taste function of healthy subjects

Abstract ObjectivesTo determine the influences of age and gender on the taste functions of healthy Taiwanese. MethodsWe evaluated taste functions of healthy Taiwanese using the whole mouth suprathreshold taste test, along with the taste quad test. In the whole-mouth test, we applied in a counterbalanced order sweet, sour, salty, and bitter solutions, each at 5 different suprathreshold concentrations to subjects, who were instructed to sip and swish in mouth twice. Each subject had to indicate the taste quality, and to rate the intensity and unpleasantness/pleasantness of each taste of the solutions. In the quad test, the 4 quadrants of the tongue surface were tested by dripping one concentration of sweet, sour, salty, or bitter solutions for 6 times. Subjects then indicated the taste quality, and rated the intensity of the solution. ResultsSubjects were divided into groups based on their gender and age: 20-39 years, 40-59 years, or ≥ 60 years. We found that in the whole mouth taste test, the total correct identification score dropped with age. But identifying sweet and salty qualities was not affected by age. No differences were found between male and female, except women scored better than men for sweet quality in the age group of 40-59 years. The total correct identification score of the taste quad test also decreased with an increased age of the taste quad test, without gender differences. ConclusionBoth age and gender affected the taste functions in healthy Taiwanese to some extent, and differences were dependent on age, tongue region, and taste quality.