Your saliva may determine how bitter coffee tastes
NCT ID NCT01079338
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether the proteins in saliva affect how sensitive healthy men are to the bitter taste of caffeine. Researchers tested healthy male volunteers who do not smoke and have no mouth problems. The goal is to understand why some people perceive bitterness more strongly than others.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- caffeine
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain why people taste bitterness differently, potentially informing food preferences or dietary choices.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage observational study in healthy men only. Results may not apply to women, smokers, or people with oral health issues.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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25 to 45 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * healthy volunteers Exclusion Criteria: * smokers * currently suffering from oral pathologies * sensory aversion to bitterness
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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