The Associations Between Oral Complex Carbohydrate Sensitivity, BMI, Liking, and Consumption of Complex Carbohydrate Based Foods

Abstract

Recent work suggests that humans may perceive complex carbohydrates and that their sensitivity to simple carbohydrates (i.e., glucose and sucrose) is independent from tasting complex carbohydrates. The aim of this study was to confirm whether humans could sense complex carbohydrates from a range of concentration levels; and if their oral sensitivity to complex carbohydrate relates to their BMI, liking, and consumption of complex carbohydrate-based foods using a large sample group of adults. Participants' (n = 92 females, age 23.7 ± 0.5 yr [range, 19 to 47 yr]) oral sensitivity towards complex carbohydrate (maltodextrin) and sweet taste function (glucose) was assessed by measuring detection threshold and suprathreshold intensity perception (gLMS). Participants were asked to complete an online version of a Food Frequency Questionnaire and a Likes and Dislikes Questionnaire. Hedonic ratings for complex carbohydrate and sweet solutions, as well as for a range of complex carbohydrate and sweet prototypical foods, were also measured. Consistent with previous findings, there was large interindividual variation in detection and intensity measures for maltodextrin and glucose. No significant associations were found between oral complex carbohydrate sensitivity, Body Mass Index (BMI), and frequency of consumption of complex carbohydrate-based foods measured. Similarly, no differences were observed between liking of complex carbohydrates, BMI, and food intake. All in, these results from a large sample group further support the proposition that complex carbohydrates are not invisible to the human palate, and can be sensed in the oral cavity even at low concentration levels.