How early exposure to bitter foods affects taste sensitivity in adults

Influence of early exposure to bitter foods on bitter taste sensitivity in adulthood

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO · NIH-11066888

This study looks at how letting kids try bitter foods early on might help them enjoy those flavors more as adults, using a rodent model to see how a mother's diet affects her babies' taste preferences.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (AMHERST, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11066888 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how early exposure to bitter foods during childhood influences taste sensitivity in adulthood. By using a rodent model, the study will explore the effects of maternal diet on offspring's acceptance of bitter flavors. The researchers aim to understand if repeated exposure to bitter tastes can enhance acceptance and preference for these foods later in life. This could provide insights into dietary habits and preferences that impact health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who were exposed to a variety of foods during childhood, particularly bitter foods.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had early exposure to bitter foods or those with specific dietary restrictions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help develop strategies to increase vegetable consumption and improve dietary habits in adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that early dietary exposure can influence food preferences, but this specific approach using a rodent model is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

AMHERST, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.