Effect of Flavored, Carbonated Drinks on Salivary Flow, Salivary Composition, and Taste Perceptions

Last updated: April 15, 2025
Sponsor: PepsiCo Global R&D
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

N/A

Treatment

Beverage

Clinical Study ID

NCT06933290
PEP-2423
  • Ages 18-45
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

To determine the effect of flavored, carbonated drinks on salivary flow rate, saliva composition, and taste perceptions compared with control drinks (water, carbonated water, non-carbonated)

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Subject is male or female

  • If female, subject is not pregnant or nursing (based on self-report)

  • Subject is 18-45 years of age, inclusive

  • Subject is a regular consumer of carbonated drinks (questionnaire)

  • Subject is willing to avoid alcohol consumption 24 hours prior to visits

  • Subject is willing to fast (no food or gum) for 2 hours prior to study sessions

  • Able to speak, write, and read English

  • Provision of written consent to participate

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Subject smokes, vapes, or uses any nicotine/tobacco products (or has quit for lessthan 6 months)

  • Subject currently has or recently had an illness (cold, flu, COVID) within the pastmonth

  • Subject has a condition affecting the oral cavity such as Xerostomia (dry mouth),Sores/lesions, Untreated dental caries, Major dental implants/appliances (includingdentures)

  • Subject has a reduced sense of taste (dysgeusia) or smell (parosmia)

  • Subject has a health condition that would interfere with the study as indicated onthe general health questionnaire (GHQ) (including cardiovascular, renal, ormetabolic diseases)

  • Subject has participated in a clinical trial within the past 30 days

  • Subject has participated in any PepsiCo trial within past 6 months

  • Subject has a condition or is taking medication that the investigator believes wouldinterfere with his/her ability to provide informed consent, comply with the studyprotocol, which might confound the interpretation of the study results, or put theperson at undue risk

  • Subject is employed by, or has a parent, guardian, or other immediate family memberemployed by a company that manufactures any products that compete with any PepsiCoproduct. If subject is unsure if a company would be considered a competitor toPepsiCo, they will be asked to please let the study investigator know the name ofthe other company and the nature of their relationship to that company before theysign the informed consent.

Study Design

Total Participants: 13
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Beverage
Phase:
Study Start date:
March 24, 2025
Estimated Completion Date:
June 29, 2025

Study Description

Previous studies have shown that drinking a beverage can stimulate the production of saliva and alter its composition. These effects could impact oral processing and taste perceptions. Various ingredients in beverages such as carbonation may affect saliva and oral processing. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of flavored carbonated beverages on salivary flow rate, saliva composition (pH, mucins, carbonic anhydrase, and total protein), and taste perceptions compared with unflavored and non-carbonated control drinks.

Connect with a study center

  • Gatorade Sports Science Institute

    Valhalla, New York 10595
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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