title: Effects of sucrose detection threshold and weight status on intake of fruit and vegetables in children.
abstract: Past research on the relationship between taste sensitivity and fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in children has focused on sensitivity to bitter taste. The effects of sensitivity to sweet taste on intake of FV have never been investigated. Furthermore, the effects of children's weight on intake of FV are inconclusive. This study measured the effects of Sucrose Detection Threshold (SDT) and weight status on intake of FV in children. The participants of this study were 99 children between 5-9 years old. Parents reported their own and their children's 24 hour intake of FV and completed a measure of children's sensory sensitivity. Children completed the triangle test with suprathreshold concentrations of sucrose ranging between 0.2% and 1.6%, in 0.2% increments. Two MANCOVAs showed that, controlling for parental intake and children's sensory sensitivity, there was a main effect of SDT on intake of fruit (p < 0.05), which was exclusive to non-astringent fruit (p < 0.05), and cruciferous vegetables (p < 0.01). Weight status had no effect on intake of FV. Mechanisms behind the effects of SDT are discussed in the context of past research on bitter taste sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK. Electronic address: a.fogel@bham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fogel
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blissett
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D019607:Brassicaceae; D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019422:Dietary Sucrose / Q000378:metabolism*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D005638:Fruit; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050177:Overweight / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013652:Taste Threshold; D014675:Vegetables
chemical_list: D019422:Dietary Sucrose
keywords: Children; Fruit; Sucrose detection threshold; Vegetables; Weight