Genetic and environmental influences on liking and reported intakes of vegetables in Irish children

Variation in the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is partially explained by polymorphisms in the TAS2R38 gene. Based on their perception of bitterness from PROP, people may be classified into non-, medium and supertasters. PROP perception has previously been linked to liking for cruciferous vegetables in children in some studies, but only one study to date has examined TAS2R38 genotype and its relationship with vegetable intake in children. Children’s vegetable consumption generally does not meet the recommended guidelines, thus the present study aimed to examine the influence of oral sensory measures, genetic variation and social factors on vegetable liking and intake. Vegetable liking in 7–13 year old Irish children (n = 525) was measured on a 5-point liking scale, and dietary intakes were assessed via a 3-day diet history. Vegetable intakes were calculated and standardised per kg body weight. A subset of children (n = 485) were genotyped for SNPs in TAS2R38, (A49P, V262A, I296V), and fungiform papilla (FP) were counted. The bitterness of PROP and sweetness of sucrose were rated on a generalised labelled magnitude scale (gLMS). PROP and sucrose intensity were significantly correlated (R² = 0.33, p = 0.001), although neither sucrose intensity nor FP density differed across the TAS2R38 genotype groups. Supertasters were less likely than nontasters to have tried/tasted cruciferous vegetables p < 0.04). A small, positive correlation was seen in FP density and vegetable intake, but only in the AVI homozygous children, (R² = 0.17, p = 0.035). 174 Nutrient acceptable children reported an intake of one or more of the vegetables of interest in the 3-day period. Liking of cruciferous vegetables and reported intake were significantly correlated. In multiple regression analyses in this subsection of the cohort, socioeconomic status (SES) and gender were more important than PROP bitterness or TAS2R38 genotype in predicting intakes (approximately 15% of liking and 67% of intake was explained by these models). Overall, neither PROP taster status nor TAS2R38 genotype alone had significant impact on bitter vegetable liking or intake. Further research into FP density and vegetable liking and intake may be warranted.     

Sensory characteristics and relative sweetness of tagatose and other sweeteners

The present study investigated the sensory characteristics and relative sweetness of tagatose, an emerging natural low-calorie sweetener with various functional properties, compared to other sweeteners (sucrose, sucralose, erythritol, rebaudioside A), over a wide range of sweetness commonly found in foods and beverages (3% to 20% sucrose [w/v]). A total of 34 subjects evaluated aqueous solutions of the 5 sweeteners for the perceived intensities of sweetness, bitterness, astringency, chemical-like sensations, and sweet aftertaste, using the general version of the Labeled Magnitude Scale. The relationship between the physical concentrations of the sweeteners and their perceived sweetness (that is, psychophysical functions) was derived to quantify the relative sweetness and potency of the sweeteners. The results suggest that tagatose elicits a sweet taste without undesirable qualities (bitterness, astringency, chemical-like sensations). Out of the 5 sweeteners tested, rebaudioside A was the only sweetener with notable bitterness and chemical-like sensations, which became progressively intense with increasing concentration (P < 0.001). In terms of perceived sweetness intensity, the bulk sweeteners (tagatose, erythritol, sucrose) had similar sweetness growth rates (slopes > 1), whereas the high-potency sweeteners (sucralose, rebaudioside A) yielded much flatter sweetness functions (slopes < 1). Because the sweetness of tagatose and sucrose grew at near-identical rates (slope = 1.41 and 1.40, respectively), tagatose produced about the same relative sweetness to sucrose across the concentrations tested. However, the relative sweetness of other sweeteners to sucrose was highly concentration dependent. Consequently, sweetness potencies of other sweeteners varied across the concentrations tested, ranging from 0.50 to 0.78 for erythritol, 220 to 1900 for sucralose, and 300 to 440 for rebaudioside A, while tagatose was estimated to be approximately 0.90 times as potent as sucrose irrespective of concentration. Practical Application: The present study investigated the sensory characteristics and relative sweetness of tagatose, an emerging natural low-calorie sweetener, compared to other sweeteners. Study results suggest that tagatose elicits a sweet taste without undesirable qualities over a wide range of concentrations. Tagatose produced about the same relative sweetness to sucrose across the concentrations tested, while the relative sweetness of other sweeteners was highly concentration dependent. The present data provide a general guideline when considering the use of tagatose and other sweeteners in foods and beverages.     

Optimizing the orosensory properties of model functional beverages: the influence of novel sweeteners, odorants, bitter blockers, and their mixtures on (+)-catechin

This paper is dedicated to the memory of colleague and friend, Dr. Samson Agboola, who recently passed away. Abstract: The use of flavor‐modifying strategies are important to improving the sensory profile of some excessively bitter and astringent functional ingredients, such as (+)‐catechin (CAT). Two bitter blockers (ß‐cyclodextrin [CYCLO], homoeriodictyol sodium salt [HED]), two sweeteners (sucrose [SUC], rebaudioside A [REB]), and two odorants (vanillin [VAN], black tea aroma [TEA]) were assessed for their efficacy at modifying the bitterness and astringency of CAT in model aqueous solutions. The intensity of oral sensations elicited by CAT was determined in duplicate in binary, ternary, and quaternary mixtures of these stimuli by a trained panel (n= 15) using a 15 cm visual analogue scale. Overall, bitterness and astringency were most effectively reduced by ternary solutions containing CYCLO + REB or CYCLO + SUC (68%, 60%, and 45%, 43% for bitterness and astringency, respectively). Odorants were not effective at modifying the bitterness or astringency of CAT. We conclude that the use of select bitter blockers and sweeteners may be of value in optimizing the flavor and acceptance of functional food and beverages fortified with phenolic compounds. Practical Application: (+)‐Catechin is a bitter‐tasting plant‐derived health‐promoting phenolic compound of interest to functional food and beverage manufacturers. We investigated the efficacy of bitter blockers, plant‐based sweeteners, and odorants in decreasing the bitterness and astringency elicited by (+)‐catechin. Some of these additives, both alone and in combination, reduced bitterness and astringency, and may therefore assist in optimizing the flavor and consumer acceptance of some phenolic‐based functional foods and beverages.     

Exploring the effects of genotypical and phenotypical variations in bitter taste sensitivity on perception,liking and intake of brassica vegetables in the UK

Brassicaceous vegetables (BV) have chemoprotective effects and yet consumption of BV in the UK is low. Previous studies suggest perception, liking and intake of BV are influenced by bitter taste sensitivity which this study further explores. Phenotypical taste sensitivity of 136 subjects was classified using propythiouracil (PROP) and sodium chloride and fungiform papillae density (FPD) was measured from tongue images. Polymorphisms of TAS2R38 and gustin (CA6) genes were analysed. Liking and bitterness of four raw vegetables (two BV (broccoli and white cabbage) and two non-BV (spinach and courgette)), as well as habitual consumption, were evaluated.There was a significant association between TAS2R38 genotype and PROP taster status (p < 0.0001) and between FPD and PROP taster status (p = 0.029). Individuals with greater sensitivity for PROP predominantly had TAS2R38 PAV/PAV genotype and greater FPD. BV were perceived as more bitter than non-BV (p < 0.0001) with PAV/PAV subjects perceiving significantly stronger bitter intensity. There was a significant difference in liking for the four vegetables (p = 0.002), and between consumers of different TAS2R38 genotype (p = 0.0024). Individuals with TAS2R38 AVI/AVI genotype liked BV more. Regarding intake, both PAV/PAV and AVI/AVI individuals consumed more total vegetables and BV than PAV/AVI. Although PROP nontasters tended to consume more vegetables and BV than the other two phenotype groups, liking and vegetable intake were not significantly affected by taste phenotype. Although there was not a significant effect of CA6 genotype on bitterness ratings, there was a significant interaction between CA6 and TAS2R38, and in addition CA6 genotype was significantly associated with BV intake. However, these effects require validation as the proportions of the population with the CA6 G/G genotype was extremely small (7%).Our results confirmed that bitter taste perception in vegetables was influenced by both genotype and phenotype of bitter taste sensitivity. Moreover, our findings demonstrated that neither genotype nor phenotype of taste sensitivity alone accurately predict vegetable liking and intake as demographic factors were found to have a substantial influence.     

不同抑制剂对苦瓜粉味觉的修饰效果

以苦瓜粉浸泡液为对象,分别添加乳酸锌、新甲基橙皮苷二氢查尔酮、γ-氨基丁酸、酪朊酸钠、全脂乳粉、阿魏酸、聚葡萄糖、三氯蔗糖、新地奥明、单磷酸腺苷,采用感官评定结合标签量值评估（general labeled magnitude scale,gLMS）法评价不同抑制剂对苦瓜粉浸泡液苦味、后苦味、甜味、后甜味、涩味以及特征风味的影响;通过模糊评判筛选抑制效果最佳的3?种抑制剂进行正交试验,评价复合抑制剂对苦瓜粉浸泡液苦味及后苦味的影响。结果表明,10?种抑制剂对苦瓜粉浸泡液的苦味、后苦味、涩味均有显著抑制作用。其中新甲基橙皮苷二氢查尔酮对苦味、后苦味抑制作用最强;乳酸锌对后苦味、γ-氨基丁酸对苦味也有较好的抑制作用;酪朊酸钠对涩味的抑制作用最为明显;三氯蔗糖、聚葡萄糖、酪朊酸钠、全脂乳粉会增加整个体系的甜味及后甜味。以乳酸锌、新甲基橙皮苷二氢查耳酮、γ-氨基丁酸3?种抑制剂进行正交试验,结果表明1?g苦瓜粉添加0.60?mg新甲基橙皮苷二氢查耳酮、3.98?mg?γ-氨基丁酸、4.46?mg乳酸锌时,苦瓜粉浸泡液苦味和后苦味可以从明显降低到基本察觉不到,且苦瓜特征风味保留较好,无其他异味存在。     

Effects of viscosity on the bitterness and astringency of grape seed tannin

To examine the separate effects of viscosity and sweetness on astringency, aqueous solutions of grape seed tannin (GST) were thickened with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) from 2 to 45 cP (experiment 1) or sweetened with 0 to 1.8 g/L aspartame (experiment 2). Trained subjects continuously rated astringency and bitterness in duplicate. Subjects were categorized by the salivary flow induced by citric acid and ability to taste n-propyl thiouracil (PROP). In experiment 1, maximum intensity and total duration of astringency were significantly decreased as viscosity rose, although time to maximum intensity of astringency was not affected. Maximum intensity and total duration of bitterness were not significantly affected by increasing viscosity; however, the onset of bitterness was significantly delayed. In experiment 2, increasing sweetness had no affect on any astringency parameter, although maximum intensity of bitterness was significantly decreased. Neither PROP nor salivary flow-status had any effect on perception of bitterness or astringency in either experiment.     

Personality traits and bitterness perception influence the liking and intake of pale ale style beers

Bitterness is classically considered undesirable in foods and beverages. Yet, widespread commercial success of beers (like Bitters in the UK or IPAs in the US) indicate bitterness is desirable for some consumers. Here, we tested whether personality traits influence beer liking and intake. Under laboratory conditions, beer consumers (n = 109) rated liking and intensity of 2 pale ales and a lager, and intensity of two bitter solutions (quinine, Tetralone®). Participants also completed intake and personality questionnaires (Sensation Seeking, Sensitivity to Punishment and Reward, and Food Involvement). A liking ratio for each beer was calculated from each participant’s liking for that specific beer and their total liking for all beers. Participants were classified as weekly, monthly, or yearly pale ale consumers using intake data. Using intensity ratings, personality measures, and other parameters, hierarchical linear regression was used to predict liking ratios, and logistic regression was used to predict beer intake frequency. A significant interaction between Sensation Seeking and quinine bitterness (p = 0.03) was found for the liking ratio of a pale ale. The interaction revealed liking of the pale ale increased with Sensation Seeking but only if quinine bitterness was also high. Intake models showed increased odds of frequent pale ale intake with greater quinine bitterness and lower liking for lager beer. These data suggest liking and intake of pale ales is positively related to Sensation Seeking and bitter taste perception. Contrary to findings in other bitter foods and beverages, the high bitterness found in pale ales may be desirable for some consumers.     

Effects of bitterness, roughness, PROP taster status, and fungiform papillae density on bread acceptance

The purpose of this study was to determine how bitterness, roughness, color, perceived 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) intensity, and fungiform papillae density affect bread liking. To accomplish this, 78 subjects rated their liking for bread samples that were manipulated to vary independently in bitterness (provided by added wheat germ extract), roughness (provided by added bleached bran), and darkness (provided by added caramel color). The bitterness from added germ extract decreased bread liking. The roughness from the bleached bran increased bread liking; this increase was larger for subjects with higher fungiform papillae densities and was larger for subjects less sensitive to PROP.Added color decreased liking for subjects who preferred refined bread, but it increased liking for subjects who preferred whole wheat bread.     

Sweetness Adaptation of Some Carbohydrate and High Potency Sweeteners

A sip-and-swallow procedure designed to provide stimulation resembling normal drinking was employed to investigate adaptation to sweetness and sourness over time in a model beverage system. Intensity judgements were made using magnitude estimation. Adaptation to sweeteners (sucrose, HFCS, sucralose and aspartame) alone and in blends was evaluated. Different degrees of sweetness adaptation were observed. Sucrose and HFCS displayed less adaptation than the high potency sweeteners, sucralose and aspartame. Blends containing two high potency sweeteners adapted to a greater degree than the individual components. Blends containing a carbohydrate and a high potency sweetener showed less adaptation than those containing two high intensity sweeteners. Sourness adaptation was not demonstrated.     

Modulation of perceived taste by olfaction in familiar and unfamiliar beverages

The integration of olfactory and taste perception and the role of congruency and familiarity on perception have already been demonstrated in model solutions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of these factors in real food products. Therefore, we have investigated the impact of olfactory perception on perceived bitterness in a familiar (bitter cocoa beverage) and an unfamiliar (bitter milk) beverage. Sensory profilings with and without noseclip were conducted according to simultaneous product presentation. In a first experiment, an instant cocoa powder mixed with water was used to prepare a common base. Two types of flavourings were added: cocoa and vanilla, at three different levels (none, medium and high). Samples were compared within a flavouring type. In a second experiment a vanilla flavour was added at three levels to a milk base containing caffeine. The panellists scored bitterness, sourness, sweetness and body with noseclip. Without noseclip, overall aroma above the cup and in mouth were assessed in addition to the previous set of attributes. With noseclip, results showed that neither the cocoa nor the vanilla flavourings provided any additional taste to the beverages. Without noseclip, olfactory/taste interaction in the cocoa beverage led to an enhancement of bitterness induced by the cocoa flavouring and an increase in sweetness from the vanilla flavouring. On the contrary, in the caffeinated milk, the addition of vanilla flavouring did not significantly increase sweetness, but unexpectedly enhanced bitterness. This study is further evidence of the influence of olfaction on taste perception in complex matrices. In addition, our results suggest that taste–olfaction integration is product dependent and related to food experience, even when working with trained subjects. Furthermore, the unpleasantness due to the neophobia related to the consumption of a new product and to bitterness may enhance bitterness when the unfamiliarity of the product is increased by addition of vanilla flavouring to a bitter milk beverage.     

Association of thermal taste and PROP responsiveness with food liking,neophobia, body mass index,and waist circumference

6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) responsiveness is a well-established index of individual variation in oral sensation that has a genetic basis and appears to predict food liking and consumption. More recently, thermal taster status (TTS), a new marker of individual variation in oral sensation was identified. Thermal tasters (TTs) perceive phantom tastes in response to lingual thermal stimulation, and are more responsive to orosensory stimuli than thermal non-tasters (TnTs). The association of TTS and PROP responsiveness with food liking, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and neophobia was examined. One hundred and twenty-seven subjects rated liking of 332 food and beverage items, which included different preparations of foods, using a 7-point hedonic scale. TTS did not associate with BMI or WC, and contrary to previous studies, neither did PROP responsiveness. TnTs’ greater liking of cooked fruits and vegetables over TTs suggests that differences between TTS groups may be texturally driven. As expected, liking of bitter and fatty foods and cream was inversely related to PROP responsiveness.     

Parents’ and Children's Acceptance of Skim Chocolate Milks Sweetened by Monk Fruit and Stevia Leaf Extracts

Chocolate milk increases milk consumption of children, but high sugar content raises health concerns. Interest in sugar reduction and parents’ preference for natural sweeteners necessitates further research on natural nonnutritive sweeteners. However, it is important to maintain consumer acceptability, especially for children, while reducing sugar in chocolate milk. The objectives of this study were to identify the sweetness intensity perception of stevia leaf (STV) and monk fruit (MK) extracts in skim chocolate milk (SCM), to evaluate STV and MK as the sole or partial sweetener source for SCM for young adults (19 to 35 y) and children (5 to 13 y), and to determine if information on natural nonnutritive sweeteners impacted parents’ acceptability of SCM. Power function and 2‐alternative forced choice studies were used to determine the iso‐sweetness of nonnutritive sweeteners to a sucrose control in SCM (51.4 g/L, SUC control). Young adults (n = 131) evaluated 9 different SCM (SUC control, STV, MK, STV:sucrose blends, or MK:sucrose blends) in a completely randomized 2‐d test. Children (n = 167) evaluated SUC control SCM and SCM with 39.7 g/L sucrose and 46 mg/L MK (MK25) or 30 mg/L STV (STV25). Parents evaluated SUC control, MK25, and STV25 in a balanced crossover design with a 40‐d wait time between primed or unprimed ballots. Chocolate milks solely sweetened by nonnutritive sweeteners were less acceptable compared with SUC control by young adults. MK25 and STV25 were acceptable by young adults and children. The presentation of chocolate milk label information had different effects on parental acceptance. Traditional parents preferred sucrose sweetened SCM, and label conscious parents preferred SCM with natural nonnutritive sweeteners.     

The effect of frequency of consumption of artificial sweeteners on sweetness liking by women

ABSTRACT:  Research into sweetness perception and preference thus far has demonstrated that sweetness preference is related not to the total sugar consumed by an individual but the amount of refined sugar ingested. Research has yet to be conducted, however, to determine whether a diet high in artificial sweeteners contributes to sweetness liking and preference with the same result as a diet high in sugar. The purpose of this research was to determine if such a relationship exists with regard to diets high in artificially sweetened beverages. Seventy-one female participants were recruited and screened for sweetener consumption in beverages. Sixty-four of these individuals were selected for sensory testing. All participants evaluated orange juice samples (ranging from 0% added sucrose to 20% added sucrose) for liking of sweetness using a 9-point hedonic scale. Based on screening survey data, participants were categorized according to sweetener consumption group (artificial sweetener consumers and natural sweetener consumers) and by overall sweetened beverage intake (low or high, regardless of sweetener type normally consumed). Sensory data were analyzed to compare sweetness liking in each of these groups. Significant differences in liking were observed, with individuals in the high sweetened beverage intake group preferring sweeter orange juice than those in the low-intake group. Categorization by sweetener type resulted in no significant differences between the groups, indicating that regardless of the type of sweetener consumed in a beverage, liking of sweetness will be influenced in the same manner.     

糖醇类甜味剂的甜味与副味影响因素研究

糖醇因甜味纯正、热量低、安全健康等优势,成为理想的代糖甜味剂,具有广阔的应用前景。然而,对糖醇类甜味剂感官属性的影响因素研究较少。作者以赤藓糖醇、木糖醇、麦芽糖醇和山梨糖醇为研究对象,采用成对比较和排序法等感官分析方法,研究不同粒径、温度以及溶液质量浓度对糖醇类物质的甜味、清凉感、苦味和异味的影响差异。结果显示,在室温下,不同粒径糖醇晶体的清凉感均表现出显著差异（P<0.05）,麦芽糖醇和山梨糖醇的甜味也有显著性差异（P<0.01）,这两个属性基本都显示出粒径越大、强度越小的特点;升温后,不同颗粒间的异味和苦味差异更容易分辨,也会使清凉感的感知变弱;高质量浓度赤藓糖醇在热饮中表现出了比较显著的增甜效果;对于木糖醇、麦芽糖醇和山梨糖醇,在冷热条件下的甜味感知差异在不同质量浓度溶液下的表现相似。     

Sensory profile,acceptability, and their relationship for diabetic/reduced calorie chocolates

The purpose of this study was to determine the sensory properties and acceptability of lab developed prototypes of conventional, diabetic (with no sugar), and diabetic/reduced calorie milk chocolates (no sugar and 25% calorie reduction) with high-intensity sweeteners, sucralose and stevioside, and partial fat replacement with whey protein concentrate (WPC). PLS was performed in order to relate sensory properties and consumer acceptability and to determine drivers of liking and disliking. There was no difference between conventional, diabetic and diabetic/reduced calorie milk chocolates for brightness, cocoa aroma, cocoa butter aroma, and cocoa flavor (p > 0.05). Acceptability was higher for sucrose substitution by sucralose than by stevioside and partial fat replacement reduced acceptability of flavor even more (p ? 0.05). Crucial attributes which determine consumer acceptability in samples are sweet aroma, melting rate, and sweetness, whereas bitterness, bitter aftertaste, adherence, and sandiness were drivers of disliking.     

Intensity of taste and astringency sensations elicited by red wines is associated with sensitivity to PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil)

The relationship between sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and taste and astringency perception elicited by red wines was examined. Twenty-five subjects were classified into three PROP sensitivity groups (non-tasters, tasters and super-tasters) based on their bitterness ratings of a 0.32 mM PROP solution as measured on a Labeled Magnitude Scale (LMS). In a completely randomized block design, subjects used the LMS to rate the bitterness, astringency and acidity intensities of three commercial red wines. Contrary to the findings of previous studies with wine, bitterness, astringency and acidity intensities were all correlated with individual PROP taster status. PROP non-tasters gave significantly lower intensity ratings for the bitterness, astringency and acidity of the red wines than did PROP tasters and super-tasters. Individual differences among taster groups may be related to preference and consumption behavior of consumers of wine and other alcoholic beverages.