Tastes May Show Alcoholism Risk

In a new study, Dr Henry Kranzler and his research associates at the Alcohol Research Center at UConn Health Center in Farmington, found that both male and female adult children of alcoholic fathers report greater sensitivity to and less pleasure from salty and sour solutions than those with nonalcoholic fathers.

“These findings show that individuals with a paternal history of alcoholism have unique taste characteristics,” said Dr Kranzler. “One interpretation of the findings is that taste characteristics may help to protect some individuals from developing alcoholism.”

The study was published in the June issue of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research.