Effect of Vitamin A Deficiency on Taste.

Abstract

Rats in advanced stages of vit. A depletion showed ab-normal taste responses. Based on two-choice preference trials, a decrease in rejection of quinine and selection of NaCl solutions occurred, until a level of indifference (50%) was reached. Administration of vit. A in two surviving rats restored NaCl preference to the 80% level, but did not restore quinine preference to normal (10%). These results indicate that vit. A is required for normal taste function.