Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background/Objectives: Sensory properties of food, such as taste and smell, are the main factors influencing the preference or rejection of a given food product, especially among children. The aim of this study was to compare the food preferences of teenagers with diabetes to those of a group of healthy children. Additionally, we assessed the influence of children’s taste perception on food preferences. Methods: The study involved 102 adolescents with type 1 diabetes aged 11–15, including 55 girls and 47 boys. We used a questionnaire that consisted of 63 photos of various food products, dishes, and drinks. For the taste evaluation, we used paper strips impregnated with four basic tastes (sweet, sour, bitter, and salty). Results: Healthy teenagers were more likely to self-report preferences for sweet foods. The overall preference score for sweet products included in the study was higher in the control group. The median score for this group was 4.21 (3.92–4.42), and for the diabetes group, the median score was 4.03 (3.68–4.26) (p = 0.0008). Preferences for bitter-tasting vegetables and fruits were clearly higher in teenagers with type 1 diabetes. The overall preference score for bitter taste products included in the study was higher in the diabetes group. The median score for this group was 3.71 (3.00–4.14), and for the control group, the median score was 2.86 (2.14–3.50) (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Adolescents with diabetes showed greater acceptance of certain bitter-tasting foods compared to their healthy peers. Lower preferences for sweet and higher preferences for bitter foods can be taken into account in establishing nutritional plans for adolescents with type 1 diabetes.
Source: Nutrients
DOI: 10.3390/nu17233752
Authors: Grzegorz Sobek, Paweł Jagielski
Institutions: University of Rzeszów, Jagiellonian University
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
OpenAlex ID: W4416944266