SearchTaste
Taste changes are prevalent in 40-50% of CKD patients both on dialysis and conservatively managed. Self-reported description includes blandness, metallic, bitter, and others. Patients may describe specific symptoms such as loss of interest in meat. Mechanism is complex but includes changes in CKD specific salivary electrolyte composition, and general genetics, age.
Taste plate: suggested management strategies (taste changes in advanced CKD factsheet)
| Examples of foods in each category | |
| Bitter foods: | Coffee, tea, alcohol (e.g. beer, wine), chocolate |
| Acidic/sour foods: | Lemon and lime juices, carbonated drinks, vinegars |
| Carbohydrate-based foods: | Honey, maple syrup, fruit juices, tomato, beetroot |
| Menthol: | Mints, chewing gums |
Note RE Zinc supplementation: choose an over-the counter Zinc supplement containing elemental zinc 30-50mg, WITHOUT vitamin A
