NCT03171402

Astringency and Bitterness Perception

Astringency and Bitterness Perception Among High and Low Fruit and Vegetable Consumers

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 92 (actual)
• Sponsor: Purdue University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The investigators are conducting a study to better understand how the average consumer differentiates between bitter and astringent sensations, both of which are typically unpleasant sensations characteristic of some healthy foods. Astringency is the dry/rough sensation elicited by foods such as green bananas and some wines. Although trained scientists can differentiate between these stimuli, untrained participants rate them similarly, despite their differences. This confusion has created additional barriers in understanding the mechanism of astringent perception, which is currently debated. Understanding how to design experiments where untrained participants can clearly evaluate both sensations will lay the foundation to better understand astringency. One mechanism that is believed to contribute to astringency is the interaction of astringent stimuli with salivary proteins. Interestingly, the salivary protein profile may be influenced by consumption of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the investigators will evaluate how bitter and astringent perceptions differ among high and low consumers of fruits and vegetables by collecting saliva following exposure to the stimuli. This knowledge will inform approaches to increase the appeal of healthy food.

Conditions

• Taste Bitter-Salty

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Astringency and bitterness perception	Participants will be involved in 1-4 experiments that test how they rate and differentiate between bitter and astringent flavored beverage samples

Timeline

• Start date: 2017-04-30
• Primary completion: 2018-05-30
• Completion: 2018-05-30
• First posted: 2017-05-31
• Last updated: 2018-08-28

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States