Longitudinal observation of olfaction and taste during pregnancy with trace elements and hormones

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24592585
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Otorhinolaryngology
• Research Institution: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
• Principal Investigator: SHIBATA Minori 産業医科大学, 保健センター, 講師 (90512187)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SHIBATA Eiji 産業医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (90419838)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 嗅覚 / 味覚 / 妊娠悪阻（つわり） / 微量元素 / ホルモン

Outline of Final Research Achievements

It is widely known that olfaction and taste sensations change during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not understood. In addition, detailed data on olfaction and taste during pregnancy is limited. We performed a detailed serial assessment of olfaction and taste in pregnant subjects to evaluate possible relationships between taste-associated serum trace elements and reproductive hormones from the first trimester until post partum.
While many subjects felt keen olfaction and the change of food preference in early pregnancy, there was no significant change in T&T olfactometry and electrogustmetry. Serum Zn levels were decreasing gradually from the 1st to 3rd trimester. Serum Cu levels during pregnancy were higher than reference value and significantly higher than post partum. Serum Fe levels were decreasing from the 1st trimester to post partum, despite 1/3 pregnant women took Fe replacement therapy.

Free Research Field

耳鼻咽喉科