Comparative evaluation of gustatory function between postmenopausal women and age-matched men.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to compare the gustatory function between postmenopausal women and age-matched men.


METHODS
During a period of 4 months, 30 postmenopausal women and 30 age-matched men were prospectively evaluated for gustatory function. Each subject was given a symptoms questionnaire for self-assessment of taste function. Then, whole mouth taste test was performed in which the quality identification and intensity ratings of taste solutions were measured.


RESULTS
Regarding correct quality identification, the results were statistically non-significant (P > 0.05). As far as the intensity judgments are concerned, significant difference exists between postmenopausal women and age-matched men. Intensity of taste perception for sucrose was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than intensity of taste perception for other tastes (P < 0.05). One of the noticeable findings is that 15 (50%) postmenopausal women reported a change in dietary habits; all expressed liking for sweeter food.


CONCLUSIONS
Postmenopausal women appeared to have a reduced perception of sucrose, which can alter eating habits, such as intake of more sweet foods, whereas no significant difference is observed in taste perception of NaCl, citric acid and quinine hydrochloride between postmenopausal women and age-matched men. Fifteen (50%) postmenopausal women stated fondness for sweet taste.
Dangore-Khasbage
S B
SB
Sharad Pawar Dental College & Hospital, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DU), Sawangi (M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. dangore_suwarna@rediffmail.com
Degwekar
S S
SS
Bhowate
R R
RR
Motwani
M B
MB
Indurkar
A D
AD
Lohe
V K
VK
Babar
V Y
VY
D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D019343:Citric Acid; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011803:Quinine; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013395:Sucrose; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology*; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000145:classification; D055697:Taste Perception / Q000502:physiology; D013652:Taste Threshold / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology
D019343:Citric Acid; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013395:Sucrose; D011803:Quinine