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Pregnancy and Childbirth Current Topics in Pregnancy

Salt Cravings Might Be Inherited from Your Mother.

Summary & Participants

People who prefer salty items may have developed that taste before birth. Research suggests there may be a connection between the severity of the mother’s morning sickness during pregnancy and the child’s salt preference.

Medically Reviewed On: July 21, 2009

Webcast Transcript

Dr. Dan: I’m Dr. Bruce Dan.

Got a heavy hand with that saltshaker? Well you may have someone beside yourself to blame – your mom.

New research suggests your fondness for salt might have been determined while you were still in your mother’s womb. In a study of four month olds, researchers found certain babies like to drink saltwater much more than others. And the mothers of those salt loving babies were more likely to have experienced moderate to severe morning sickness than other moms.

The exact link between morning sickness and salt preference isn’t known, but it may have something to do with dehydration caused by vomiting and the body’s effort to restore fluid balance.

One thing we do know - the craving for salt doesn’t go away with age. Earlier, researchers found adults whose mothers had suffered from morning sickness were more likely to reach for chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks. So maybe that’s why so many of us can’t eat just one.

With Doctor’s Corner, I’m Dr. Bruce Dan