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Some People Do Not Taste Salt Like Others Low-salt foods may be harder for some people to like than others，according to a study by a Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences1 food scientist.The research indicates that genetic factors influence some of the difference in the levels of salt we like to eat. Those conclusions are important because recent，well-publicized efforts to reduce the salt content in food2 have left many people struggling to accept fare that simply does not taste as good to them as it does to others3，pointed out John Hayes，assistant professor of food science，who was lead investigator4 on the study. Diets high in salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.That is why public health experts and food companies are working together on ways to help consumers lower salt intake through foods that are enjoyable to eat.This study increases understanding of salt preference and consumption. The research involved 87 carefully screened participants who sampled salty foods such as soup and chips，on multiple occasions，spread out over weeks5.Test subjects were 45 men and 42 women，reportedly healthy，ranging in age from 20 to 40 years.The sample was composed of individuals who were not actively modifying their dietary intake and did not smoke cigarettes.They rated the intensity of taste on a commonly used scientific scale，ranging from barely detectable to strongest sensation of any kind. | 
