title: Oral sensitivity to oleic acid is associated with fat intake and body mass index.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Taste sensitivity to fatty acids influences food ingestion and may regulate fat intake and body weight status. Fatty acids are detected via homologous receptors within the mouth and gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where attenuated sensitivity may be associated with greater fat intake and BMI. This study aimed to extend observations surrounding fatty acid taste, specifically the types of foods consumed and dietary behaviours that may be associated with fatty acid taste sensitivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  51 subjects (41 female; BMI, 21.4 ± 0.46 kg/m², age, 20 ± 0.52 yrs, 10 male; BMI, 23.6 ± 1.4 kg/m², age, 22 ± 1 yrs) were screened for oral sensitivity to oleic acid (3.8 mM) using triplicate sensory evaluations, and classified as hypersensitive; (3/3 correct identifications), or hyposensitive, (<3/3). Fat-taste perception (using sensory-matched custards made with 0, 2, 6, 10% oil), recent diet (4-day diet record) and food habits and behaviours (food habits and behaviours questionnaire) were also established.
  
  
  RESULTS
  75% (n = 38) of subjects were classified as hyposensitive to oleic acid and these subjects differed from those who were classified as hypersensitive. Hyposensitive subjects consumed significantly more energy, fat, saturated fat, fatty foods (butter, meat, dairy), had greater BMI and were less perceptive of small changes in the fat content of custard (all P < 0.05), compared to hypersensitive subjects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An inability to perceive low concentrations of fatty acids in foods was associated with greater consumption of fatty foods, specifically butter, meat, dairy, and increasing BMI.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood VIC 3125, Australia. Jessica.stewart@csiro.au
authors.forename: Jessica E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Lisa P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Russell S J
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Keast
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000209:etiology*; D019301:Oleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D013649:Taste / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats; D019301:Oleic Acid