title: The effect of saliva composition on texture perception of semi-solids.
abstract: Saliva is expected to be of significance for the perception of food stimuli in the mouth. Mixing the food with saliva, including breakdown and dilution, is considered to be of large importance for semi-solids as these products are masticated without chewing. It is known that there are large variations in composition of saliva originating from different glands and different subjects. In this study we investigated how variations in salivary characteristics affect sensory perception. Eighteen trained subjects participated in the study. Saliva was collected at rest and during three types of stimulation (odour, parafilm chewing and citric acid), and flow rates were determined. The collected saliva was analyzed for protein concentration, buffer capacity, mucin level and alpha-amylase activity. The salivary components measured in this study varied considerably among subjects, but also within subjects as a result of different means of stimulation. Variations in salivary components were correlated with sensory perception of a number of flavour, mouth feel and after feel attributes in the semi-solids mayonnaise and custard dessert. Total protein concentration and alpha-amylase activity were observed to correlate most strongly with texture perception.
authors.affiliation: Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, 6700 AN Wageningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Engelen
authors.forename: Petra A M
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: van den Keybus
authors.forename: René A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: de Wijk
authors.forename: Enno C I
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Veerman
authors.forename: Arie V Nieuw
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Amerongen
authors.forename: Frits
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bosman
authors.forename: Jon F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Prinz
authors.forename: Andries
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: van der Bilt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002021:Buffers; D002182:Candy; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D003212:Condiments; D005260:Female; D005421:Flavoring Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D005502:Food; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology; D009055:Mouth / Q000502:physiology; D009077:Mucins / Q000032:analysis; D009812:Odorants; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000032:analysis; D012636:Secretory Rate / Q000502:physiology; D013236:Stereognosis / Q000502:physiology*; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology; D000516:alpha-Amylases / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D002021:Buffers; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D009077:Mucins; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides; D019343:Citric Acid; D000516:alpha-Amylases