Is fat taste ready for primetime?

NV DiPatrizio - Physiology & behavior, 2014 - Elsevier
Physiology & behavior, 2014Elsevier
Mounting evidence suggests that gustation is important for the orosensory detection of
dietary fats, and might contribute to preferences that humans, rodents, and possibly other
mammals exhibit for fat-rich foods. In contrast to sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, fat is
not widely recognized as a primary taste quality. Recent investigations, however, provide a
wealth of information that is helping to elucidate the specific molecular, cellular, and neural
mechanisms required for fat detection in mammals. The latest evidence supporting a fat …
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that gustation is important for the orosensory detection of dietary fats, and might contribute to preferences that humans, rodents, and possibly other mammals exhibit for fat-rich foods. In contrast to sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, fat is not widely recognized as a primary taste quality. Recent investigations, however, provide a wealth of information that is helping to elucidate the specific molecular, cellular, and neural mechanisms required for fat detection in mammals. The latest evidence supporting a fat taste will be explored in this review, with a particular focus on recent studies that suggest a surprising role for gut-brain endocannabinoid signaling in controlling intake and preference for fats based on their proposed taste properties.
Elsevier