Insulin resistance impairs olfactory perception

New publication in Scientific Reports

The sense of smell decides which food we choose. The olfactory perception in turn depends on our metabolism. For example our olfactory acuity improves after a fasting period and is attenuated when we are sated. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism research now demonstrate that increased insulin levels in the blood and peripheral insulin resistance impair olfactory perception. Hence, our ability to evaluate olfactory features during food selection is restrained. In contrast, insulin in the brain improves olfaction dose-dependently: The more insulin is directly available in the brain, the better is our sense of smell.

More information in Original Publication: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-43693-7
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43693-7