Marshmallows used as saliva stimulant do not affect cortisol concentrations: finally a palatable alternative for toddler saliva collection.
Two studies were conducted to validate marshmallows as a saliva stimulant for use with toddlers. First, cortisol concentrations from 14 subjects (ages 6-46 years) were compared using three saliva collection methods: (1) plain cotton dental roll, (2) dental roll with one mini-marshmallow, and (3) expectorating into a collection tube using no cotton or stimulant. EIA was used for analyses. There were no significant differences among cortisol concentrations. Second, saliva collection compliance rate was compared for 21-month-olds (n = 51) using either flavored drink crystal- (compliance rate = 16.7%) or marshmallow-flavored (compliance rate = 60%) dental rolls for saliva collection (chi(2) (1) = 4.02, p = .045). These studies indicate that marshmallow is a viable option for saliva stimulation to determine toddler cortisol concentrations using EIA.
Clements
Andrea D
AD
Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Box 70649, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA. clements@etsu.edu
Parker
C Richard
CR
Dixon
Wallace E
WE
Salley
Brenda
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D012472:Salivation / Q000502:physiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013649:Taste
D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D006854:Hydrocortisone