TASTE SENSITIVITY AND ORAL HEALTH IN AGING: IMPLICATIONS FOR NUTRITIONAL STATUS – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Population aging in Brazil and worldwide is a phenomenon associated with several anatomical and functional changes in the body, particularly affecting oral health and taste perception. This study is an exploratory bibliographic review that aims to examine the scientific literature and consolidate evidence on gustatory and oral changes in older adults, as well as to analyze their implications for nutritional status and diet quality. An in-depth analysis of studies published between 2008 and 2024 was conducted.The decline in taste function is an expected consequence of aging, partly due to the reduction in taste buds and other physiological changes, which may result in adverse outcomes for nutrition and health. Comparative studies show that older adults present reduced sensitivity to sour and sweet tastes when compared to younger individuals. In addition, taste loss combined with oral alterations such as decreased masticatory function and salivary flow compromises overall health and directly affects daily life. In hospital settings, restrictive diets, such as low-sodium or glycemic control diets, significantly influence taste perception in older adults, even though overall dietary quality is often considered satisfactory. Reduced taste perception and food dissatisfaction contribute to malnutrition. Psychological and functional factors, including depression, dementia, and functional dependence, are strongly associated with malnutrition in institutionalized older adults. Although malnutrition is linked to increased morbidity and mortality, it is rarely routinely assessed in institutional settings. It is concluded that multidimensional assessment of older adults incorporating gustatory and oral health aspects is essential to support more effective, comprehensive, and individualized nutritional interventions, ultimately promoting better health and quality of life.