Recognition of oral sensory satisfaction and regulation of the volume of intake in humans.

Sensory awareness contributes to the enjoyment of eating and drinking. This study tested the hypothesis that changes in the intensity of oral sensations could be used to regulate the volume of intake. Forty women (< 36 years) volunteered. The participants consumed distilled water, salt water and two concentrations of glucose water under four study conditions. Participants drank until they felt satisfied (basal); satisfied based on taste (taste); satisfied based on fullness (fullness); while watching television (distraction). The treatments were randomized. The study was done in the laboratory between 0830 and 0900. Volume of intake, time taken for intake and thirst intensity variation were measured during each treatment. Analysis of the results showed the taste condition with the lowest volumes and the fullness condition with the highest volumes (p < 0.0001) and time (p < 0.0001). Oral sensory satisfaction could be used to regulate intake of water and water-soluble foods. Sensory distraction may interfere with this regulatory methodology.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes