Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-xbtfd Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T06:15:34.719Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The effect of saccharide type on sweet perception and preference of oral nutritional supplements by elderly individuals

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 July 2009

L. Methven ,
O. B. Kennedy ,
D. S. Mottram ,
G. K. Grimble ,
M. Bushell ,
L. Gray  and
M. A. Gosney
L. Methven
Affiliation:
Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
O. B. Kennedy
Affiliation:
Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
D. S. Mottram
Affiliation:
Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
G. K. Grimble
Affiliation:
Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
M. Bushell
Affiliation:
Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
L. Gray
Affiliation:
Department of Food Biosciences, University of Reading, PO Box 226, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AP, UK
M. A. Gosney
Affiliation:
Institute of Health Sciences, University of Reading, London Road, Reading RG1 5AQ, UK
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

An abstract is not available for this content. As you have access to this content, full HTML content is provided on this page. A PDF of this content is also available in through the ‘Save PDF’ action button.
Type
Abstract
Information
Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , Volume 68 , Issue OCE1: OCE Malnutrition Matters, Joint BAPEN and Nutrition Society, 4–5 November 2008, Harrogate , 2009 , E55
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2009

Six of ten older individuals are at risk of becoming malnourished or their situation becoming worse in hospital(1). Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) can have beneficial effects on nutritional status; however, the compliance of consumption is poor. It has been found that the greatest wastage is on elderly care wards, with patients reporting disliking the taste (72%) and sweetness (56%)(Reference Gosney2). A further study has reported age-related differences in preferred sweetness level, which are in line with increased detection and recognition thresholds for sweetness, an overall dislike of ONS and dislike of the sweetness level of ONS vanilla products(Reference Law, Gosney and Kennedy3, Reference Law4).

The hypothesis of the present study was that reducing the sweetness of ONS would alter older individual's perception and preference of the products. Alternative saccharides were used in a model recipe of vanilla ONS. The sensory profiles of the modified ONS were evaluated by an analytical sensory panel (n 8) and correlated with acceptability data (nine-point hedonic scale) collected from a healthy older volunteer group (n 25; age range 65–84 years). Complete replacement of sucrose with Palatinose™ (BENEO-Palatinit GmbH, Mannheim, Germany), resulted in a profile of reduced sweetness (P<0.001) and dairy flavour (P=0.05). Changing 25% glucose syrup for low-dextrose equivalent maltodextrin (LDMD) further reduced sweetness, but significantly increased viscosity (P=0.007).

Figure 1. Effect of Saccharide on Profile on ONS.

Figure 2. Preference Map of ONS Vanilla Modifications.

Older consumers perceived the reduction in sweetness (P<0.0001). Preference was split between consumers who preferred less-sweet variants and those who preferred the sweeter control. The viscosity of the LDMD modification was not liked. It would appear that altering the saccharide content of these products is a viable route that may increase their acceptability and ultimate consumption. Further work will investigate if there is a difference in preference between ONS of different sweetness levels on consumption of greater quantities, in line with the typical pack size (200 ml).

References

1. Age Concern (2006) Hungry to be Heard: The Scandal of Malnourished Older People in Hospital. London: Age Concern.Google Scholar
2. Gosney, M (2003) J Adv Nursing 43, 275–280.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3. Law, CK-W, Gosney, MA & Kennedy, OB (2006) Proc Nutr Soc 65, 56A.Google Scholar
4. Law, CK-W (2006) Age related changes in taste and effect on food supplement palatability. BSc Dissertation, University of Reading.Google Scholar
Figure 0

Figure 1. Effect of Saccharide on Profile on ONS.

Figure 1

Figure 2. Preference Map of ONS Vanilla Modifications.