Taste Test May Predict Alcoholism Risk reports on an odd association between sense of taste and risk of alcoholism:
A new study of children of alcoholics suggests that people at risk for alcoholism may experience some flavors differently than those not at risk for the drinking disorder.Researchers found that men and women who were not alcoholics — but had an alcoholic father — found salty tastes less appetizing and sour flavors more intense than did their counterparts without alcohol-addicted dads.
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Previous studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between enjoyment of salt and alcohol consumption. In one, rats bred to like alcohol drank less of a salty solution than rats bred to dislike alcohol.