How taste affects what we eat and our food choices
The Contribution of Taste to Nutrient-Related Ingestive Behavior
This study looks at how our sense of taste affects what we eat and helps us make better food choices, using mice to learn more about how our brains process different tastes, which could lead to better nutrition advice for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Knoxville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Knoxville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11222301 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of taste in influencing food intake and dietary choices. By studying how different taste signals are processed in the brain, particularly in relation to nutrient preferences, the research aims to develop better dietary recommendations. The approach involves using rodent models to understand the neural pathways involved in taste perception and how they affect eating behavior. Insights gained could lead to improved strategies for enhancing compliance with nutrition guidelines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who struggle with dietary compliance or have chronic health conditions related to nutrition.
Not a fit: Patients who have no interest in dietary changes or those with acute conditions unrelated to nutrition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective dietary recommendations that improve health outcomes and reduce chronic disease burdens.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between taste and dietary behavior, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Knoxville, United States
- University of Tennessee Knoxville — Knoxville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cawthon, Carolina R. — University of Tennessee Knoxville
- Study coordinator: Cawthon, Carolina R.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.