Running makes sweet taste less sweet

Intense physical activities like running can affect your sense of taste and smell. It is also known that intensive exercise influences various bodily processes that help maintain balance. This can, in turn, affect our appetite. Our appetite is closely linked to how we perceive taste and smell, which was the focus of this research. But what is the truth? Researchers from University College Venlo and VieCuri MC tested the taste and smell abilities of long-distance runners who participated in the 10k or half marathon during the Venloop.

Results

The ability to correctly identify different smells remained unchanged after a long run, but immediately after running, the ability to taste sweetness was impaired. Sensitivity to salt increased slightly. “How this acute effect contributes to an overall improved taste perception in runners is still a mystery,” says Remco Havermans, Professor of Youth Nutrition and Health at Maastricht University.

No to painkillers, yes to supplements

In a separate, unrelated questionnaire study, the researchers asked participants if they used painkillers or supplements while training for a long-distance run. Painkillers were rarely used, but supplement use was widespread. Almost every respondent reported using some form of supplement. Why? Havermans explains, “Amateur athletes use supplements (such as vitamin pills, creatine powder, or caffeine) to boost their energy during runs. This differs from competitive runners, who use supplements and sometimes paracetamol to optimise their performance.”