Almost nothing – not even bariatric surgery – changes olfactory sensitivity

Altered olfactory functions during hunger, fasting episodes, and following food ingestion in healthy subjects have been reported as early as 1949 but subsequent data have remained controversial. Methods: We investigated olfactory function (threshold, identification, discrimination) (Sniffin Sticks®) in six independent experiments: At baseline and 24h and 48h after a zero calorie fasting (n=16 females) (Study 1); fasted and after a 900kcal mixed meal (n=20 males) (Study 2); twice after a 600kcal mixed meal with high (40g) saturated or unsaturated fatty acids (n=24, 12 females) (Study 3); prior to and after rotati…