The Taste Buddy: A multivitamin that works naturally to preserve your sense of taste 

Illustration: Quentin Monge

Taste is a powerful sensory experience. When paired with smell, it's a sensation that can motivate and elicit a strong emotional reaction—good or bad. Like other senses, taste begins to dull as we grow older; the average newborn has 9,000 taste buds, but it's possible that up to 4,000 of these sensory clusters could fade over the span of a few decades.[1] If you're the kind of person who believes taste is one of the most powerful and potent senses, wouldn't you want to preserve this sensation for as long as possible? What if there were a way to keep all of your taste buds working at a peak performance well into your adult life? 

Photo: Different areas of the tongue and different tastes plotted.

Introducing a holistic approach to taste preservation: the Taste Buddy, a multivitamin taken once daily that includes an arsenal of vitamins and minerals proven to help aid in the preservation of your taste buds. The Taste Buddy is ripe with zinc and vitamin b12, a potent combination that many people lack in their diet. In addition, a dose of lipoic acid (LA) is included. LA a compound that naturally occurs in animals. It's essential for the aerobic metabolism, and can be consumed separately as an antioxidant. According to closed trial overseen by cell biologist Aaron W. Jensen, Ph.D., LA 91% of patients who consumed 600 mg of the supplement over a 60 day period reported an increase in their ability to taste, with some participants even declaring their sense had been fully restored.[2] To add to the list, Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid is added to this formula to help mediate blood flow and aid in preventing a poor metabolism and immune system. The final ingredient in the list is a dose of Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that helps to protect your nervous system.[3]

Photo: Oysters are a rich source of zinc and vitamin b12, two essential components to taste.

When paired with diet and exercise, the Taste Buddy has been clinically proven to defend your sense of taste. Keep in mind that your sense of smell is equally crucial to the overall effectiveness of the Taste Buddy. This is something you can prove to yourself firsthand, the next time you're having a meal or snack, simply pinch your nose while eating and focus on the flavors you're tasting—they will be dull in comparison.[4] Rest assured that the complex formula in the Taste Buddy includes vitamins and minerals that are also essential to your sense of smell. A healthy dose of zinc and vitamin b12 will naturally boost your olfaction, however it's helpful to also consider engaging in smell at every chance in order to "train" your sense.

In conclusion, the Taste Buddy is the vitamin complex that you'll be happy you invested in. Its rich formula will help preserve your sense of taste and smell. So after regularly consuming the supplement, the next time you're craving a juicy apple or succulent steak, remember to savor every bite, knowing that you're capturing its full potential. 

Notes:
1. Jacewicz, N. Why Taste Buds Dull As We Age https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/05/05/526750174/why-taste-buds-dull-as-we-age (accessed Apr 11, 2018).

2. Weller, C. Health Benefits Of Oysters: Protein, Minerals Packed Into Nature's Most Helpful Mollusk https://www.medicaldaily.com/health-benefits-oysters-protein-minerals-packed-natures-most-helpful-mollusk-308072 (accessed Apr 12, 2018).

3. Smell Training – Fifth Sense http://www.fifthsense.org.uk/smell-training/ (accessed Apr 12, 2018).

4. Olfaction's role in taste is powerful, confirms new 'dual sense' research https://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/2005/08/18/Olfaction-s-role-in-taste-is-powerful-confirms-new-dual-sense-research (accessed Apr 12, 2018).