Age and Biochemical Status Predict Preference for Casein Hydrolysate

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Abstract
Two studies investigated relationships between chemosensory preference, age, and biochemical status. In the first study, 10 young and 16 elderly participants rated the relative pleasantness of several concentrations of casein hydrolysate, a nutritionally significant stimulus, prepared in an amino acid deficient soup base. Blood assays were performed to assess total protein, albumin, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Elderly persons and those whose blood values indicated lower biochemical status preferred higher concentrations than young persons and those with blood values indicative of higher biochemical status. In a second study 20 young and 20 elderly participants performed the same pleasantness task and then rated the stimuli for intensity using the method of magnitude matching. For each person a single index of biochemical status was produced using measures of protein, albumin, and BUN. As in the first study, age and biochemical index predicted preferred concentration of casein hydrolysate, but intensity ratings did not.