First appearing in China near the end of 2019, COVID-19 spread to North America and Europe by February 2020. By November 2020, two major pharmaceutical manufacturers had developed vaccines that were shown to be about 95% effective, which means vaccinated test subjects were 95% less likely to get COVID-19 than unvaccinated ones. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved these vaccines for use within about a year of their inception. Prior to this, the shortest time in which a vaccine had been both developed and FDA approved was four years: for the mumps vaccine, introduced in 1967. At time of writing, there are three primary vaccines in use in the United States, generally known by the names of their manufacturers: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.  

mRNA vs. Viral Vector Vaccines 

The available COVID-19 vaccines were developed independently of one another and function in different ways. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both examples of what’s referred to as a messenger RNA or mRNA vaccine.  

RNA, ribonucleic acid, is a molecule that “carries the genetic instructions for many viruses.” For these vaccines, a genetically engineered version of mRNA was used to instruct cells to create a protein that’s part of the virus. When a person is vaccinated, their body’s immune system begins to create that protein, followed by antibodies that can fight the COVID-19 virus, should that person subsequently be infected with the disease. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require an initial injection and a second dose delivered several weeks later. 

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, delivered in a single injection that has shown about 66% efficacy, arrived shortly after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. It’s what’s called a viral vector vaccine, a type that has also been used to fight HIV, the flu and viral epidemics predating COVID-19. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was created by introducing genetic material from COVID-19 into another type of virus. The resulting combination is injected into a person’s bloodstream, where the genetic material catalyzes cells to produce a protein. This protein causes the person’s immune system to produce infection-fighting antibodies and white blood cells. AstraZeneca has a similar viral vector vaccine, though it is not approved for use in the United States as of this writing. 

Potential Vaccine Side Effects 

So, what happens to a human body after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine? That depends on a number of factors. An individual’s age, overall health, allergies, gender and other factors can influence what side effects the COVID-19 vaccine might have on their body. Some reports suggest that women suffer side effects at a much higher rate than men, but this is generally true for all vaccines. Overall, the occurrence of side effects indicates that the vaccine is working. 

Systemic Side Effects 

After vaccination, people may experience these systemic effects: 

• Headaches 
• Muscle aches 
• Fatigue 
• Nausea 
• Chills  
• Fever 

Local Side Effects 

Vaccinated people may also experience the following symptoms at the injection site, which is typically the upper arm: 

• Soreness 
• Redness 
• Inflammation 
• Rash (aka “COVID arm”) 

There have been reports of a few deaths occurring after vaccinations for COVID-19, though according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “A review of available clinical information including death certificates, autopsy and medical records revealed no evidence that vaccination contributed to patient deaths.” 

Gain a Deeper Understanding of How the Body Works and Reacts to Disease and Drugs 

While a cough and fever are among the most common COVID-19 symptoms, the disease can progress into pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that makes respiration difficult and diminishes the oxygen supply to the body’s organs. ARDS may ultimately compromise the respiratory, renal and cardiovascular systems of a COVID-19-infected person.  

The University of Florida’s acclaimed College of Medicine offers programs that focus on how these vital systems work under normal conditions and how they respond to diseases and drugs. Our programs are offered entirely online, enabling you to finish class assignments and tests at your own pace, virtually anywhere.  

Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 

In our online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology program, you’ll gain a broader scientific understanding of the major systems of the human body and how they’re affected by various drugs. This program also helps you prepare for the National Board, MCAT and other exams that can help you advance to the next level of a medical career. Once you’ve finished your master’s degree, you will have earned a respected graduate-level credential that can position you for more advanced roles within the medical profession. 

If you’ve completed either our Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology or Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology (see more details below), you’ve already completed half of your master’s degree. Our 30-credit master’s degree program allows you to transfer up to 15 credits from your graduate certificate program. And that’s just one of the many benefits of UF’s master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology. You can also: 

• Graduate in as little as one year. 
• Study on your own schedule. 
• Gain the clinical knowledge you’ll need to thrive in medical school. 
• Skip the GRE. 
• Take advantage of multiple financial aid options, should you need them. 
• Earn a career-transforming education credential. 

Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology  

One of our two career-boosting graduate certificate options, the Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology explores the essentials of medical physiology and examines the individual human body systems. This is a 9- to 14-credit program that enables you to take up to six courses. However, you only need to complete 9 credits to earn your certificate, which means you can finish in as little as one semester. 

Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology 

The second of our medical physiology graduate certificates is the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology. This program provides advanced instruction in cardiovascular and renal physiology and pathophysiology research that can prove invaluable in a clinical setting. 

Discover how the body works and reacts to various treatments in an entirely online University of Florida medical physiology program. 

Sources:
https://www.biospace.com/article/a-timeline-of-covid-19-vaccine-development/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html#:~:text=Once%20vaccinated%2C%20our%20bodies%20recognize,one%20that%20causes%20COVID%2D19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
https://annalsofintensivecare.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13613-019-0552-5  

Our organs keep us alive, individually and in combination with other organs. There are about 78 organs in the human body, and each performs one or more vital functions. But do we really need all of those, or are there organs we can live without? 

 As it turns out, we don’t exactly need all of our organs in order to survive. Let’s look at a few “unnecessary” organs, their purpose and why you can live without them. 

Appendix 

What It Does
The appendix is somewhat of a mystery organ, as doctors and scientists aren’t 100% sure of its purpose. One common theory is that this little appendage to the large intestine is where the body stores good bacteria. It may also assist our immune system.  

Why You May Need It Removed
When a person develops appendicitis, it means the appendix has become infected. In most cases, doctors will recommend surgical removal of the appendix, known as an appendectomy. 

Why You Can Live Without One
After an appendectomy, patients typically go on to live with no measurable change in their quality of life. 

Gallbladder  

What It Does
Located in the upper abdomen, the gallbladder acts as a storage bag for bile, which the liver creates to help us digest fatty foods. 

Why You May Need It Removed
The gallbladder can sometimes develop gallstones, a painful condition that’s usually treated by removal of the organ. 

Why You Can Live Without One
While many doctors recommend a low-fat diet for patients who’ve had their gallbladder removed, this typically only needs to be temporary. Most people experience no complications from life without a gallbladder. 

Kidney  

What It Does
The kidneys perform a variety of important functions, such as filtering waste and excess water out of our blood, producing hormones and regulating the balance of sodium and other chemicals in our bodies. 

Why You May Need It Removed
Conditions including cancer and injury may necessitate the removal of a kidney.

Why You Can Live Without One
As vital as kidneys are, most people have two of them and can continue to live a normal life if they have to give one up. In fact, some people have donated one of their kidneys to help a patient with unhealthy kidneys, and both parties have gone on to live healthy lives. 

Lung   

What It Does
Lungs take in oxygen, which moves into the bloodstream, and take carbon dioxide back out of the bloodstream. This waste gas is then expelled (exhaled) out of the body. In short, they’re what we breathe with. 

Why You May Need It Removed
Pneumonectomy, or removal of a lung, is performed when cancer or injury has damaged the lung beyond repair.  

Why You Can Live Without One
As with kidneys, we have two lungs and can live without one of them when necessary. A person with one lung has to adjust their lifestyle somewhat, exerting themselves less due to their decreased intake of oxygen. 

Spleen  

What It Does
The spleen stores and filters blood, destroying damaged or old red blood cells but saving healthy elements for the body to use again.

Why You May Need It Removed
A swollen, ruptured or torn spleen will often be removed with a procedure called a splenectomy. 

Why You Can Live Without One
In the absence of a spleen, the lymph nodes and liver will typically adapt to undertake the spleen’s functions. 

 Tonsils  

What They Do
Part of the immune system, the tonsils fight viruses and bacteria that come into the body through the mouth. This can also make them more susceptible to becoming infected or swollen. 

Why You May Need Them Removed
When someone develops tonsillitis, it means their tonsils are inflamed. Unlike other conditions we’ve discussed, this is a contagious condition. A tonsillectomy, or removal of the tonsils — they come in and are removed in pairs — may be necessary when the inflamed tonsils can’t be treated any other way. 

Why You Can Live Without Them
Tonsils are less likely to be removed than they once were, with many doctors preferring alternate treatments. Some studies show an increased risk of respiratory disease in patients who’ve had them removed during childhood. But people do live without tonsils and many even experience some benefits in terms of sleep apnea reduction.  

Risks of Removal 

While people can live without the aforementioned organs and others, removal surgery, like any surgery, poses risks for complications and side effects. These can range from minor to severe and life threatening, depending on the organ and complication. Our original organs are best left alone, provided they’re healthy and functioning properly. However, when they’re not, it’s reassuring to know we may not need some of them. 

Online Programs Dedicated to Human Organ Systems 

The University of Florida’s renowned College of Medicine offers entirely online programs focused on human body systems and the organs that comprise them. All of these programs enable you to complete coursework anywhere, 24/7, at your own pace. Having a family or career doesn’t mean having to forego earning a career-boosting education credential!

Some of our programs include:  

• Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology 
• Prepare for medical school and related exams (National Board, MCAT) as you explore how drugs and other factors affect the body’s systems. If you’ve taken either of the certificate programs below, you’ve already met 15 credits of this program’s 30-credit requirement! No GRE is required for admission, and you may be able to graduate in as little as one year. 
• Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology  
• Learn the essentials of medical physiology and the individual human body systems. You can finish this 9- to 14-credit program in as little as one semester. 
• Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology 
• Gain an advanced understanding of cardiovascular and renal physiology and pathophysiology research that will benefit you in clinical settings. You may be able to complete this program in as little as two semesters. 

Browse all of our programs to find the one that best aligns with your future career in healthcare, education or public health. You can also contact us here. We’re happy to help guide you toward the right program for your goals.

Sources:
https://www.livescience.com/how-many-organs-in-human-body.html 

Whether you’re climbing a fourteener or just visiting the Mile High City for a week of recreational fun, one thing is for certain — both locations are a lot higher than sea level. But what’s the magic number that dictates when you’ve reached a high altitude? 

The sweet spot is anywhere between 4,900 to 11,500 feet. If you go higher, you’ve reached the even more elusive (and slightly less oxygenated) very high altitude. So, while you’re sipping that CBD-infused latte in downtown Denver, it may not look or even feel like you’re on top of the world. But if you’ve only just arrived, we’re willing to bet that you might notice one or two of the side effects of being in a high-altitude location, like dizziness, headaches or nausea. 

So why do we face these occasional uncomfortable symptoms and how do our bodies adapt to such a drastic change in height? In this article, we’ll break down how we acclimate to high altitude, what altitude sickness is and how to prepare for your next high-elevation getaway. 

How Does Your Body Adapt to High Altitude?

When you arrive at a high-altitude location, it would be wonderful if you could snap your fingers and bam — instantly adjust your body to its new environment. Unfortunately, there’s more to it than that. The higher the altitude, the fewer oxygen molecules are in the air. This means that as you inhale, you’re receiving less oxygen than you normally would, which could lower your oxygen saturation levels. 

When your oxygen saturation lowers, your blood contains less oxygen. If this happens, your body may find delivering oxygen to your organs more difficult. To counteract this, your body produces more red blood cells, making it easier to pump oxygen through your system. 

Other short-term adjustments your body makes to acclimate itself include: 

• Increased breathing rate
  The peripheral chemoreceptors in your body will detect a change in lower oxygen levels. When this happens, you may need to take more breaths so you receive the same amount of oxygen you would receive at a lower altitude. 

• A faster heart rate
  Those very same peripheral chemoreceptors also cause stimulation to your sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The SNS responds to stressful situations, such as when your body realizes it needs to work a little harder to retrieve oxygen. In response, your heart rate may increase to deliver more oxygen-filled blood to your body. 

• Increased urination
  When you’re at a high altitude, you’re more susceptible to alkalosis, a condition that occurs when there’s an imbalance in your body’s pH levels. Alkalosis happens when you have too many bicarbonates (a base) and not enough acids in your system. To avoid this condition, your body compensates by removing those bicarbonates through the kidneys and, eventually, through urination. 

What Is Altitude Sickness — and Can You Avoid It? 

As your body adapts to its new environment, you may experience altitude sickness, a term that describes several symptoms that can occur at a high altitude. Common symptoms of altitude sickness include: 

• Headache 
• Muscle aches 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Fatigue 
• Shortness of breath 
• Loss of appetite 

While the symptoms may not sound (or feel) pleasant, they usually arrive within 12 to 24 hours after you’ve arrived at a high-altitude location and disappear after a day or two after you’ve acclimated. The good news is that not everyone will experience altitude sickness; if you do, you’ll likely only experience a few symptoms. 

How to Prepare for High Altitude 

Thankfully, there are a few preventative measures you can take to lessen your chances of experiencing altitude sickness, including: 

• Staying hydrated 
  As your kidneys filter out the bicarbonates, you might find yourself taking a few extra trips to the bathroom. Since your body is losing liquid rapidly, it’s essential to drink plenty of liquids to keep yourself hydrated. 

• Limiting your alcohol intake 
  You might be thinking, fabulous — a cocktail is the perfect liquid solution. Not so fast. As your body adapts to the altitude, it’s not as equipped to process alcohol effectively. In addition, alcohol is a diuretic, so it will increase the number of times you urinate. 

• Taking it easy 
  Your internal processes are doing a lot of work to help you adjust to the heightened elevation quickly. The best way you can help yourself is to relax as it adapts. You don’t have to lay in your hotel bed all day, but if you do decide to go for a hike or even a walk down Main Street, be sure to take it slow. 

Key Takeaways

How Does the Human Body Adapt to High Altitude?

When you’re at a higher elevation, your oxygen levels drop. So, your body kicks into gear by cranking out more red blood cells to deliver oxygen where it’s needed. Your breathing speeds up. Your heart works harder. And yes, you may find yourself making more bathroom trips. All of it helps your body acclimate to thinner air.

What Is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness occurs when your body struggles to adjust to the low oxygen in the air at high elevations. The result? Headaches. Nausea. Dizziness. Muscle aches. You might feel wiped out, lose your appetite, or struggle to catch your breath.

How Do You Prepare for High Altitude?

To limit your chances of experiencing high altitude sickness, stay hydrated, limit your alcohol intake, and relax as your body acclimates to the heightened elevation.

Take Your Career to New Heights at the University of Florida 

If you’re taking a gap year to experience the world and take a breath of fresh (albeit less oxygenated) air in a high-altitude environment, we have the perfect way to help you prepare for the next phase of life. Whether you’re prepping for the MCAT or assembling an application to medical or nursing school, the University of Florida offers a Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology that you can complete from almost anywhere — entirely online. 

While only 9 credit hours are required for completion, you can take up to 14 credits and explore electives that suit your interests and professional goals. Courses can be completed at your convenience and give you all the tools you need to prepare for the next chapter in your career, whether you’re going into dentistry, nursing, or another field in the medical industry. 

Apply now to study medical physiology at the University of Florida. 

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539701/
https://med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Anatomy_and_Physiology/Anatomy_and_Physiology_(Boundless)/21%3A_Respiratory_System/21.11%3A_Respiratory_Adjustments/21.11B%3A_Adjustments_at_High_Altitude
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14660497/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23262-sympathetic-nervous-system-sns-fight-or-flight
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/altitude-sickness 

From sunburns and dark spots to more severe long-term consequences like skin cancer, you may be all too familiar with the potential repercussions of enjoying one too many beach days without sunscreen. And while it’s likely that your parents discussed the negative effects of having a little too much fun in the sun, they probably never took the time to go over what happens if you don’t get enough of it. 

The sun’s potentially damaging UV rays are the very same ones that provide your body with a natural form of vitamin D: an essential nutrient that keeps your bones healthy, reduces inflammation and supports your immune health and metabolism. 

But what happens when you’re not receiving enough sunlight? 

While it’s safe to say you won’t turn into a vampire, it is possible to experience some less-than-pleasant effects. In this article, we discuss the potential impacts of not getting enough sunlight and how much sun you actually need. 

Effects of Not Receiving Enough Sunlight 

There are several reasons individuals might not obtain enough natural sunlight. Whether they live in an area that boasts more nighttime than daytime hours or have a medical condition that makes it challenging to go outside, deficiency in sunlight is more prevalent than you might think. 

Here are some of the most common effects people experience if they don’t receive an adequate amount of sunlight: 

• Weakened immune system 
  Vitamin D plays an important role in keeping your immune system in tip-top shape by boosting immune cells’ production of pathogen-fighting proteins. When you don’t absorb enough sunlight, you may experience a weakened immune system and become more susceptible to getting the flu, cold or other infections. 

• Low energy
  Sunlight may be responsible for increasing the brain’s production of serotonin, the hormone associated with producing a sense of calm and boosting your mood. Without sunlight, your serotonin levels may dip, which could trigger a state of fatigue even when you’ve received an adequate amount of sleep. 

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  If you live in an environment where the sun is in short supply during those frigid winter months, you might be all too familiar with the winter blues. But did you know that the sun may be partially to blame for those feelings of depression or mood changes? The decrease in sunlight during winter months can impact your internal clock — also known as circadian rhythm — which can disrupt your sleep schedule and lead to feelings of depression. 

• Weaker bones
  Sunlight plays an important role in providing your body with vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus to keep your bones strong. Without enough vitamin D, you are more prone to becoming an unwilling recipient of weaker bones. Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels can lead to lower bone density, which may be a leading factor in causing potential fractures or osteoporosis. 

• Weight gain
  We’ve already mentioned that a lack of sunlight can affect your circadian rhythm. When that biological clock is altered, you may find it more challenging to sleep at night. If that happens repeatedly, you’re more likely to feel fatigued throughout the day, lending less energy for a regular exercise routine. In addition, the sun may play a part in keeping your metabolism on track. One study found that UV rays cause nitric oxide production, which helps your metabolism function properly. Without sunlight, your metabolism could slow down, making it easier to gain weight. 

How Much Sun Is Enough? 

While you don’t need to lay on a log like a turtle basking in the sun to receive an ample amount of vitamin D, the question remains — how much sun do we need to ensure we’re getting our daily dose? 

It largely depends on three factors: 

• The color of your skin
  Fair-skinned individuals usually have less melanin (the pigment that determines your skin color) than people with dark skin. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. This means that people with darker skin often need to spend longer periods in the sun to receive the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin. 

• The time of day you go outside
  UV rays are at their peak during midday. By choosing to take a stroll in the early afternoon, you won’t need to stay outside as long to get an ample amount of sunlight and vitamin D. 

• The amount of clothing you wear 
  When it’s cold, you usually don more layers of clothing. While these layers do keep you warm, they also ensure that less of your skin receives direct contact with sunlight. It’s important to stay outside longer when you’re bundled up to ensure your uncovered skin is absorbing enough vitamin D. 

Overall, the amount of sun you need depends on the factors listed above. But if you’re able to expose one-third of your skin by wearing shorts and a T-shirt, then spending 10 to 30 minutes in the sun three times a week is plenty of time to ensure you’re getting enough sunlight. 

Gain Practical Knowledge for Careers in Medicine at the University of Florida 

If you’re interested in giving your resume a sizeable boost, look no further than the University of Florida’s online Medical Physiology Graduate Certificate program. In as little as one semester, you can complete the 9 to 14 credit hours needed to obtain the certificate. This program consists of rigorous and up-to-date content and is ideal for a variety of professionals in the medical community, including: 

• Nurses 
• Physician assistants 
• Medical school applicants 
• Individuals preparing for the MCAT 
• High school or community college professors teaching biology or physiology courses 

Learn more details about our online Medical Physiology Graduate Certificate program or take the next step and apply today. 

Sources:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26538987/ 

What comes to mind when you think of bacteria? Infection? Illness? While these ailments are often associated with bacteria, not all species of bacteria cause harm. Some are actually quite beneficial, and understanding how these microorganisms operate will make you feel much better about knowing that they’re alive inside you right now. 

Bacteria are tiny organisms — living things — that exist within the bodies of humans and animals and in just about every environment on the planet. To give you an idea of just how small bacteria are, compare these single-celled microbes to the average adult human male, who is made up of more than an estimated 37 trillion cells. Despite their microscopic size, bacteria have the potential to do a great deal of harm or good within our bodies.  

What Is Gut Flora? 

Our digestive system (or gastrointestinal system) is home to five different types of bacteria, each of which contains multiple bacterial species. Bacteria are an important part of our flora, or the organisms that live in our bodies. Although bacterial species are responsible for some forms of pneumonia, food poisoning, strep throat, tuberculosis and a slew of other conditions we all want to avoid, many types of bacteria are ultimately beneficial.   

How Do Fermented Foods Benefit Gut Health?

Many dairy products, including yogurt, kefir and most cheeses, are made with fermented milk, which means bacteria were encouraged to grow in the milk. These fermented products help deliver “good” bacteria to your digestive system and help break down foods so that the nutrients can be absorbed and waste products can be removed. Gut bacteria have been shown to play a positive role in the growth of infants and can help prevent conditions such as: 

• Diabetes 
• Obesity 
• Immune and autoimmune disorders 
• Digestive disorders 

Why Do People Take Probiotic Supplements?

Considering the potential benefits of gut bacteria, it’s no wonder so many people are intentionally introducing more bacteria into their bodies through probiotic supplements. Yes, there are “bad” bacteria in your gut as well, but having sufficient amounts of the good kind creates a balance that will prevent harmful bacteria from threatening your health.  

Research suggests that probiotics may support digestion, enhance immune function and even improve mental health by influencing the gut-brain connection. While naturally fermented foods provide probiotics, supplements offer a more concentrated and consistent dose, making them a convenient option for those looking to optimize their gut health.

Online Explorations of the Inner Workings of the Human Body 

Want to learn more about how gut bacteria impact human health? Explore UF’s online medical physiology programs for an in-depth look at microbiome science and its clinical applications. Expand your understanding of how the gastrointestinal system and the organisms within react to the introduction of other organisms or drugs, as well as how the nervous system and all the various systems of the human body react to such factors.

The University of Florida’s renowned College of Medicine delivers several medical science-focused master’s degree programs and graduate certificate programs entirely online. Each of these graduate options enables you to build new career expertise and credentials at your own pace. UF’s online classroom is open 24/7 and accessible from virtually anywhere, offering you the flexibility to complete your studies around your professional and personal commitments.

Complement your understanding of human body systems and functioning with an online graduate degree or certificate program from the University of Florida.

Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health-pictures/amazing-benefits-of-gut-bacteria.aspx
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/institute-basic-biomedical-sciences/4-the-gut-microbiome-tuddenham.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973/
https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/gut-bacteria 

It’s a tale as old as time. Growing up, your family tried to instill a love of broccoli and other leafy greens in you, but it never quite took. Now, you might be an adult who still doesn’t appreciate certain veggies, coffee or spicy foods. Perhaps you’d even go so far as to call yourself a picky eater. If so, have you ever considered whether you might be a supertaster? 

While being a supertaster might sound like a covetable superpower, the one in four people who find themselves with this ability might not always see it as a blessing. When it comes down to it, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: What is a supertaster? Join us as we answer this and all your other burning questions related to supertasters.  

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a — Supertaster? 

Our tongues are covered in tiny buds called taste papillae, which come in three forms: fungiform, circumvallate and foliate. Fungiform papillae are mushroom-shaped and found on the front of your tongue. They contain a combination of taste buds and sensory receptors that detect taste and touch sensations. These taste receptors bind to food molecules and give your brain an indicator of what you’re eating. 

The taste buds on your fungiform papillae can detect five primary flavors while you’re eating, including: 

• Sweet 
• Salty 
• Sour 
• Bitter 
• Umami (savory tastes, often associated with broths or meaty food)

If you find yourself wondering exactly how many taste buds supertasters have, you’re not alone. While there aren’t studies with these exact findings, some statistics have been gathered based on at-home taste bud-counting tests that count the number of taste buds people have on a six-millimeter section of their tongue: 

• Supertasters are more likely to have approximately 35 to 60 taste buds per six-millimeter section. 
• Average tasters make up approximately 50% of the population. They have about 15 to 35 taste buds per section. 
• Non-tasters are likely to have 15 or fewer taste buds per six-millimeter section. As the name would suggest, non-tasters often notice less flavor in their food. 

Picking a Supertaster Out of a Lineup: Characteristics to Look For 

If you feel like you might qualify as a supertaster, but you’re not quite sure, there are a few telltale characteristics to look for, including:  

Picky Eating 

Many supertasters have a long list of foods they wouldn’t dare touch unless they were stranded on a deserted island — and even then, it would be a challenge. To their credit, there’s a scientific reason behind their finicky food preferences.

Scientists believe that many supertasters have the gene TAS2R38. This particular gene increases a person’s perception of the bitterness in various foods and drinks.

Many supertasters that have taken part in scientific studies find they’re extremely sensitive to a chemical called propylthiouracil (PROP). This chemical is often used in research to measure a person’s sensitivity to notes of tartness. Because PROP has an easily detectable bitter taste, supertasters often note an extremely bitter taste when given the chemical — more so than average or non-tasters.

Camouflaging Bitter Flavors  with Other Flavors 

Broccoli and spinach may leave an overwhelmingly bitter taste in the mouths of supertasters, but that doesn’t mean they don’t understand the nutritional value veggies offer. To mask the bitterness, some supertasters add sweet, salty or fatty flavors to foods they wouldn’t eat otherwise. This makes certain bitter-tasting foods more palatable so supertasters can have their vegetables — and their nutrients too.  

Preferring Salty Flavors (But Hold the Extra Salt) 

You may assume that someone who perceives the delicate differences in salty, sweet or bitter flavors would steer clear of foods that are too salty. On the contrary! A recent study showed that supertasters preferred foods that were high in salt. While there’s no conclusion as to why they feel this way, researchers believe that it may be because salty flavors cut out some of the bitterness from certain foods, like cheese. 

A lot of supertasters prefer saltier foods, but that doesn’t mean they’re keen on reaching for the saltshaker during every meal. For average tasters and non-tasters, salt adds more flavor to otherwise bland food. But if you’re a supertaster, that same food probably has significantly more flavor to you, so it doesn’t need the added salt. 

Avoiding Smoking or Alcohol 

While average and non-tasters may not notice the subtle bitter notes in some beers, citrusy seltzers and certain hard liquors, supertasters often taste these flavors front and center on their palette. While it’s not always a determining factor, the tangy aftertaste can turn alcohol into a no-go for some supertasters. Similarly, the additives and tobacco in cigarettes can also leave behind a bitter essence, making them even more unpleasant to those with extreme taste buds.  

Earn a Graduate Credential from the University of Florida

Whether you’re a superhero physician in the making or a working professional interested in developing your understanding of human physiology, you can step up your game with the University of Florida’s Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology. This program allows you to earn your certificate entirely online in as little as one semester. Our well-rounded courses contain relevant coursework that will prepare you for National Board exams, the MCAT or other standardized tests in the medical industry.  

Take control of your future today by applying to our online Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology program. 

Sources:
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2010/06/16/127880219/for-supertasters-a-desire-for-salt-is-in-their-genes 
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/supertaster#supertaster-quiz 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5766753/