Basic taste sensitivity, eating behaviour, and propensity of dairy foods of preadolescent children: How are they related?

Background: Taste sensitivity has been reported to influence children’s eating behaviour and contribute their food preferences intake. This study aimed investigate the associations between taste in preadolescents. Methods: Children’s was measured by detection threshold with five different concentration levels of sweetness (sucrose), sourness (citric acid), saltiness (sodium chloride), bitterness (caffeine, quinine), umami (monosodium glutamate). In addition, Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ), Food Propensity (FPQ), body weight height were completed parents. Children conducted sensory evaluation test at schools while parents questionnaires online. Results: A total 69 child-parent dyads participated. Taste significantly associated responsiveness, emotional overeating, desire drink. who less sensitive caffeine (higher threshold) had higher responsiveness scores, those overeating scores. children both quinine demonstrated have scores There no association FPQ, but significant differences observed across mass index (BMI) regarding FPQ dairy items, indicating consumption low-fat milk overweight/obese compared normal-weight subjects. difference according BMI. Children’s differed BMI, demonstrating a positive BMI approach, negative avoidance. Conclusions: This contributes preliminary understanding relationships preadolescents which could be used develop effective strategies promote healthy practices considering sensitivity.