title: Some like it hot: testosterone predicts laboratory eating behavior of spicy food.
abstract: In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between eating behavior of spicy food and endogenous testosterone. Participants included 114 males between the ages of 18 and 44 recruited from the community. They were asked to indicate their preferences regarding spicy food and were then asked to season a sample of mashed potatoes with pepper sauce and salt (control substance) prior to evaluating the spiciness of the meal. A positive correlation was observed between endogenous salivary testosterone and the quantity of hot sauce individuals voluntarily and spontaneously consumed with a meal served as part of a laboratory task. In contrast, significant correlations were not observed between testosterone and behavioral preference for salty foods. This study suggests that behavioral preference for spicy food among men is related to endogenous testosterone levels.
authors.affiliation: University of Grenoble-Alpes, France. Electronic address: Laurent.begue@upmf-grenoble.fr.
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bègue
authors.affiliation: University of Grenoble-Alpes, France.
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bricout
authors.affiliation: University of Grenoble-Alpes, France.
authors.forename: Jordane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boudesseul
authors.affiliation: University of Grenoble-Alpes, France.
authors.forename: Rébecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shankland
authors.affiliation: University of Grenoble-Alpes, France.
authors.forename: Aaron A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Duke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary; D013739:Testosterone
keywords: Capsaicin; Eating behavior; Testosterone