Perception of chemosensory stimuli and related responses to flavored yogurts in the young and elderly

Abstract

This study examined the effects of chemosensory performance of two age groups on ratings of the just-right intensity of odor, flavor and coolness. Two experiments were conducted: (1) creation of a sensory profile by a trained panel and (2) hedonic testing of the yogurt samples by young ( n=47, 20–35 years) and elderly ( n=45, 65–82 years) subjects, who also participated in tests measuring their chemosensory performance. Eight yogurt samples (2×2×2 factorial design) were flavored with 6 or 10% sucrose, 0.2 or 0.8% lemon aroma and 0.004 or 0.012% menthol. Young subjects outperformed elderly in the olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal perception tests. Their performance in the chemosensory tests affected hedonic ratings of yogurts, especially in the case of the elderly. Among the elderly, just-right flavor was affected by the performance in olfactory, gustatory (sweet, sour) and trigeminal (menthol) tests. Just-right coolness was affected by olfactory perception and by identification of sweet taste. Pleasantness was affected by olfactory and menthol perception. Thus, stimulus-specific losses in chemosensory acuity of the elderly may lead to distorted perception of foods.