What nutritional deficiencies are known to affect taste perception?

Zinc and niacin deficiencies have been well-documented to affect taste perception significantly. Zinc plays a crucial role in the function of taste buds and the regeneration of taste receptors. A deficiency in zinc can lead to alterations in taste and may even result in a loss of taste sensitivity, known as dysgeusia. On the other hand, niacin is essential for overall metabolic processes, including those that affect the nervous system and sensory perception. A lack of niacin can impede the proper functioning of taste nerves, further affecting taste perception.

Vitamin C and folate primarily impact immune function and cellular health, and while deficiencies in these nutrients may lead to other health issues, they are not directly linked to changes in taste perception in the same manner as zinc and niacin. Iron deficiencies can lead to anemia and reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, but they do not directly influence the taste perception pathways. Similarly, while calcium and vitamin A are vital for many bodily functions, they do not have a well-established direct relation to taste sensitivity compared to the effects of zinc and niacin.