medRxiv · Dec 4, 2025
Association between sensitivity to the five basic tastes and frailty and low muscle mass and/or strength
By Kouzuki M
Abstract Aim Taste decline may contribute to malnutrition, frailty, and reduced muscle health in older adults, but evidence is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the association between frailty and low muscle mass and/or strength and taste-related information obtained through assessing sensitivity to the five basic tastes and using questionnaire surveys. Methods Sixty-eight community-dwelling older individuals without diagnosed taste disorders were enrolled. Assessments included background factors, sensitivity to the five basic tastes using taste-impregnated filter papers, body measurements, physical function, and a questionnaire (subjective taste, palatability, and dietary balance). Because taste sensitivity evaluation was newly devised, two scoring methods were used: (1) one point per correct answer and (2) one point for correctly identifying either low or high concentration strip for each taste. Results When using scoring method 2, it was found that a higher umami sensitivity score was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of pre-frailty or frailty (adjusted odds ratio = 0.26, p = 0.040). However, no correlation was found between muscle mass and/or muscle strength and the results of the taste sensitivity assessment. Participants reporting a decline in taste function had significantly lower umami sensitivity scores in scoring methods 1 and 2 (p=0.042, p=0.032, respectively). Conclusions Although the results slightly varied depending on the scoring method used for the taste sensitivity assessment, higher umami sensitivity may be associated with a lower risk of developing pre-frailty or frailty. Umami sensitivity was also correlated with subjective taste assessment. Changes in taste perception may affect dietary intake and cause frailty; however, longitudinal studies are warranted to establish causal relationships.