Aim/Objective: To review the scientific literature on the factors affecting sense of taste. Materials and Methods: Data Sources: Original reports and reviews obtained through internet searches from 1992 through February 2017 using the headings of "taste," "taste buds," "taste disorders,” altered taste” taste thresholds," and "aging.” Articles frequently cited in reference lists were also included. All data was reviewed, tabulated, and summarized. Data Extraction: Criteria for extraction included data quality and validity, statistical treatment of the data, venue of publication, and relevance to clinical care. Results: Losses of taste are common in the elderly occurring as a result from normal aging, certain disease states, medications, surgical interventions, and environmental elements. Conclusion: Taste loss occurs as a result from normal aging, disease states, drugs, surgical interventions, and environmental exposure. Deficits in these taste senses cannot only reduce the pleasure and comfort from food, but are a risk factors for nutritional and immune deficiencies as well as adherence to specific dietary regimens.
Key words: Taste, taste buds, taste disorders, altered taste,  taste thresholds, aged, aging.