중학생의 짠맛 미각판정과 짠맛⋅단맛식행동 및 당류식품 섭취와의 관련성

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to examine the habitual salt and sugar intake in middle school students and investigate whether salt taste preference using salt taste tests is associated with frequency of sugar food intake.
 Methods Survey questionnaires were conducted in 256 male and female students at middle schools in the Seoul province from December 11 to December 20, 2019. Habitual salt and sugar intake and frequency of sugar food consumption were assessed including the administration of salt taste tests.
 Results The salt taste tests showed that 39.9% of male students preferred a moderate (0.31% salinity) salty taste, whereas 38.7% of female students preferred a slightly bland (0.08% salinity) taste. In evaluating habitual salt intake, male students scored significantly higher than that of female students in one out of 10 items. In evaluating habitual sugar intake, female students scored significantly higher than that of male students in four out of 10 items. According to the salt taste test, preference for salty showed a positive correlation with habitual salt and sugar intake. Habitual salt and sugar intake were positively correlated to the consumption frequency of almost all sugar foods; whereby, the preference for salty was positively correlated to the consumption frequency of sweetened beverages, frozen desserts, and chocolates. The group that preferred salty had a higher score for habitual salt and sugar intake than that of the groups that preferred moderate and bland tastes. Additionally, the analysis showed that the group that preferred salty had a more frequent sugary foods consumption.
 Conclusions The perception of salty, habitual salty and sugary food intake, and frequency of sugar food consumption were all associated. Consequently, schools should provide middle school students with educational opportunities that help reduce sugar and sodium intake.