scholarly journals Genetic variation in taste perception: does it have a role in healthy eating?

2010 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Feeney ◽  
S. O'Brien ◽  
A. Scannell ◽  
A. Markey ◽  
E. R. Gibney
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Salty Taste ◽  
Brassica Vegetables ◽  
Differential Perception ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
And Gender

Taste is often cited as the factor of greatest significance in food choice, and has been described as the body's ‘nutritional gatekeeper’. Variation in taste receptor genes can give rise to differential perception of sweet, umami and bitter tastes, whereas less is known about the genetics of sour and salty taste. Over twenty-five bitter taste receptor genes exist, of which TAS2R38 is one of the most studied. This gene is broadly tuned to the perception of the bitter-tasting thiourea compounds, which are found in brassica vegetables and other foods with purported health benefits, such as green tea and soya. Variations in this gene contribute to three thiourea taster groups of people: supertasters, medium tasters and nontasters. Differences in taster status have been linked to body weight, alcoholism, preferences for sugar and fat levels in food and fruit and vegetable preferences. However, genetic predispositions to food preferences may be outweighed by environmental influences, and few studies have examined both. The Tastebuddies study aimed at taking a holistic approach, examining both genetic and environmental factors in children and adults. Taster status, age and gender were the most significant influences in food preferences, whereas genotype was less important. Taster perception was associated with BMI in women; nontasters had a higher mean BMI than medium tasters or supertasters. Nutrient intakes were influenced by both phenotype and genotype for the whole group, and in women, the AVI variation of the TAS2R38 gene was associated with a nutrient intake pattern indicative of healthy eating.

scholarly journals Alteration, Reduction and Taste Loss: Main Causes and Potential Implications on Dietary Habits

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3284
Author(s):  
Davide Risso ◽  
Dennis Drayna ◽  
Gabriella Morini
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Sensory Information ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Health Determinants ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors

Our sense of taste arises from the sensory information generated after compounds in the oral cavity and oropharynx activate taste receptor cells situated on taste buds. This produces the perception of sweet, bitter, salty, sour, or umami stimuli, depending on the chemical nature of the tastant. Taste impairments (dysgeusia) are alterations of this normal gustatory functioning that may result in complete taste losses (ageusia), partial reductions (hypogeusia), or over-acuteness of the sense of taste (hypergeusia). Taste impairments are not life-threatening conditions, but they can cause sufficient discomfort and lead to appetite loss and changes in eating habits, with possible effects on health. Determinants of such alterations are multiple and consist of both genetic and environmental factors, including aging, exposure to chemicals, drugs, trauma, high alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, poor oral health, malnutrition, and viral upper respiratory infections including influenza. Disturbances or loss of smell, taste, and chemesthesis have also emerged as predominant neurological symptoms of infection by the recent Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus strain 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as well as by previous both endemic and pandemic coronaviruses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV. This review is focused on the main causes of alteration, reduction, and loss of taste and their potential repercussion on dietary habits and health, with a special focus on the recently developed hypotheses regarding the mechanisms through which SARS-CoV-2 might alter taste perception.

scholarly journals Allelic Variation in Taste Genes Is Associated with Taste and Diet Preferences and Dental Caries

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Eriksson ◽  
Anders Esberg ◽  
Simon Haworth ◽  
Pernilla Lif Holgerson ◽  
Ingegerd Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Food Preference ◽  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Sweet Taste ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Diet Preferences

Taste and diet preferences are complex and influenced by both environmental and host traits while affecting both food selection and associated health outcomes. The present study genotyped 94 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in previously reported taste and food intake related genes and assessed associations with taste threshold (TT) and preferred intensity (PT) of sweet, sour and bitter, food preferences, habitual diet intake, and caries status in healthy young Swedish men and women (n = 127). Polymorphisms in the GNAT3, SLC2A4, TAS1R1 and TAS1R2 genes were associated with variation in TT and PT for sweet taste as well as sweet food intake. Increasing PT for sweet was associated with increasing preference and intake of sugary foods. Similarly, increasing TT for sour was associated with increasing intake of sour foods, whereas the associations between food preference/intake and TT/PT for bitter was weak in this study group. Finally, allelic variation in the GNAT3, SLC2A2, SLC2A4, TAS1R1 and TAS1R2 genes was associated with caries status, whereas TT, PT and food preferences were not. It was concluded that variations in taste receptor, glucose transporter and gustducin encoding genes are related to taste perception, food preference and intake as well as the sugar-dependent caries disease.

scholarly journals TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor and attainment of exceptional longevity

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melania Melis ◽  
Alessandra Errigo ◽  
Roberto Crnjar ◽  
Giovanni Mario Pes ◽  
Iole Tomassini Barbarossa
Keyword(s):  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Haplotype Frequency ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Human Longevity ◽  
Genotype Distribution ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Homozygous Genotype ◽  
Functional Variant

AbstractBitter taste receptors play crucial roles in detecting bitter compounds not only in the oral cavity, but also in extraoral tissues where they are involved in a variety of non‒tasting physiological processes. On the other hand, disorders or modifications in the sensitivity or expression of these extraoral receptors can affect physiological functions. Here we evaluated the role of the bitter receptor TAS2R38 in attainment of longevity, since it has been widely associated with individual differences in taste perception, food preferences, diet, nutrition, immune responses and pathophysiological mechanisms. Differences in genotype distribution and haplotype frequency at the TAS2R38 gene between a cohort of centenarian and near-centenarian subjects and two control cohorts were determined. Results show in the centenarian cohort an increased frequency of subjects carrying the homozygous genotype for the functional variant of TAS2R38 (PAV/PAV) and a decreased frequency of those having homozygous genotype for the non-functional form (AVI/AVI), as compared to those determined in the two control cohorts. In conclusion, our data providing evidence of an association between genetic variants of TAS2R38 gene and human longevity, suggest that TAS2R38 bitter receptor can be involved in the molecular physiological mechanisms implied in the biological process of aging.

scholarly journals PHYSIOLOGY OF TASTE PERCEPTION: THE ROLE OF GENETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS IN THE FORMATION OF TASTE PREFERENCES

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-29
Author(s):  
I. N. Zakharova ◽  
Yu. A. Dmitriyeva ◽  
E. B. Machneva ◽  
A. N. Kasyanova
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
First Year ◽  
Taste Preferences ◽  
Taste Receptors ◽  
Mechanisms Of Formation ◽  
Genetic And Environmental Factors ◽  
First Year Of Life

Taste perception has a significant impact on the formation of human food preferences. The basics of taste perception of the child are formed under the influence of genetic polymorphism and congenital taste preferences, developing under the influence of a number of environmental factors. A significant impact on the formation of taste hasthe mother’s nutrition during pregnancy, the nature of the child’sfeeding, the baby’s health during the first year of life, as well as national and family traditions of nutrition. The article describes the mechanisms of formation of different taste sensations, summarizes the results of modern research on the genetics of taste receptors, the role of individual environmental factors in the development of food preferences. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of the child’s nutrition during the first year of life.

scholarly journals PSIV-20 TAS2R genes in sheep and cattle compared to humans

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 229-230
Author(s):  
Dillan Henslee ◽  
Melinda Ellison ◽  
Brenda Murdoch ◽  
J Bret Taylor ◽  
Joel Yelich
Keyword(s):  
Gene Family ◽  
Gene Cluster ◽  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Receptor Gene ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Dietary Preferences ◽  
Genome Data

Abstract The taste receptor gene family has been extensively studied in human and some genes have been linked to food preferences and addiction; however, research in foraging ruminants is limited. Identification of taste receptor genes in the sheep genome may provide insight regarding individual dietary range plant preferences. Bitter taste has been a large focus of research since Arthur Fox accidentally discovered the bitter tasting compound phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and observed that bitter taste perception in humans is a variable trait. In theory, individuals who are sensitive to bitter taste will likely consume less bitter tasting foods, which are often antioxidant rich, and be more prone to disease and illness. The objective of this study was to examine known taste receptor genes in sheep and cattle and compare them with humans to determine similarities and differences. Type 2 taste receptors (T2R’s) are the only receptor of the taste gene family to perceive bitterness in foods. Using NCBI genome data viewer, the taste genes were identified on the human (GRCh38.p12), cattle (ARS-UCD1.2), and sheep (Oar_4.0; OORI1) genomes. All 3 species have one T2R gene cluster in common, which includes T2R genes 3, 4, 5, 38, 39, 40, 60, and 41. The span of this cluster is similar for humans (1,457,940 bp), sheep (1,541,593 bp), and cattle (1,594,610 bp). One gene in particular (T2R38) has been associated with PTC sensitivity and linked to aversion of some bitter tasting food in humans. Previous research on T2R38 identified 5 haplotypes, each expressing aversion to bitter taste differently. There is another T2R gene cluster which contains 10 annotated genes in sheep and cattle genomes; however, this region contains an additional 10 genes annotated in the human genome. Understanding genetic variation in TAS2R genes may translate to dietary preferences of sheep grazing on rangelands.

scholarly journals Differences in Salivary Proteins as a Function of PROP Taster Status and Gender in Normal Weight and Obese Subjects

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 2244
Author(s):  
Melania Melis ◽  
Mariano Mastinu ◽  
Stefano Pintus ◽  
Tiziana Cabras ◽  
Roberto Crnjar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Preferences ◽  
Specific Weight ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Nutrition Status ◽  
Salivary Proteins ◽  
Specific Proteins ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Cystatin Sn

Taste plays an important role in processes such as food choices, nutrition status and health. Salivary proteins contribute to taste sensitivity. Taste reduction has been associated with obesity. Gender influences the obesity predisposition and the genetic ability to perceive the bitterness of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), oral marker for food preferences and consumption. We investigated variations in the profile of salivary proteome, analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS, between sixty-one normal weight subjects (NW) and fifty-seven subjects with obesity (OB), based on gender and PROP sensitivity. Results showed variations of taste-related salivary proteins between NW and OB, which were differently associated with gender and PROP sensitivity. High levels of Ps-1, II-2 and IB-1 proteins belonging to basic proline rich proteins (bPRPs) and PRP-1 protein belonging to acid proline rich proteins (aPRPs) were found in OB males, who showed a lower body mass index (BMI) than OB females. High levels of Ps-1 protein and Cystatin SN (Cyst SN) were found in OB non-tasters, who had lower BMI than OB super-tasters. These new insights on the role of salivary proteins as a factor driving the specific weight gain of OB females and super-tasters, suggest the use of specific proteins as a strategic tool modifying taste responses related to eating behavior.

scholarly journals Women’s perceptions of factors influencing their food shopping choices and how supermarkets can support them to make healthier choices

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Preeti Dhuria ◽  
Wendy Lawrence ◽  
Sarah Crozier ◽  
Cyrus Cooper ◽  
Janis Baird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Food Shopping ◽  
Women’S Perceptions

Abstract Objectives To examine women’s perceptions of factors that influence their food shopping choices, particularly in relation to store layout, and their views on ways that supermarkets could support healthier choices. Design This qualitative cross-sectional study used semi-structured telephone interviews to ask participants the reasons for their choice of supermarket and factors in-store that prompted their food selections. The actions supermarkets, governments and customers could take to encourage healthier food choices were explored with women. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes. Setting Six supermarkets across England. Participants Twenty women customers aged 18–45 years. Results Participants had a median age of 39.5 years (IQR: 35.1, 42.3), a median weekly grocery spend of £70 (IQR: 50, 88), and 44% had left school aged 16 years. Women reported that achieving value for money, feeling hungry, tired, or stressed, and meeting family members’ food preferences influenced their food shopping choices. The physical environment was important, including product quality and variety, plus ease of accessing the store or products in-store. Many participants described how they made unintended food selections as a result of prominent placement of unhealthy products in supermarkets, even if they adopted more conscious approaches to food shopping (i.e. written or mental lists). Participants described healthy eating as a personal responsibility, but some stated that governments and supermarkets could be more supportive. Conclusions This study highlighted that in-store environments can undermine intentions to purchase and consume healthy foods. Creating healthier supermarket environments could reduce the burden of personal responsibility for healthy eating, by making healthier choices easier. Future research could explore the interplay of personal, societal and commercial responsibility for food choices and health status.

Taste perception and expression in stomach of bitter taste receptor tas2r38 in obese and lean subjects

Appetite ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 105595
Author(s):  
Antonietta Robino ◽  
Natalia Rosso ◽  
Martina Guerra ◽  
Pio Corleone ◽  
Biagio Casagranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bitter Taste ◽  
Taste Receptor ◽  
Taste Perception ◽  
Bitter Taste Receptor

scholarly journals A six-week healthy eating intervention with family engagement improves food knowledge and preferences but not dietary diversity among urban preschool children in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Fathima Sirasa ◽  
Lana Mitchell ◽  
Aslan Azhar ◽  
Anoma Chandrasekara ◽  
Neil Harris
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Child Nutrition ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Food Preferences ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Food Knowledge ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention (MCI) on children’s dietary diversity and its impact pathway components of children’s food knowledge and healthy food preferences. Design: A six-week cluster randomised controlled trial with a MCI consisting of child nutrition education plus family engagement, through parental nutrition education, meal preparation and tasting was compared with two groups: single component intervention (SCI) of child nutrition education, and control, conducted during February to July 2018. Preschool centres were randomly assigned to one of the three arms. Children’s food knowledge, healthy food preferences and dietary diversity scores were collected. Intervention effects were analysed using a pre-post analysis and a difference-in-difference model. Setting: Fourteen preschool centres in an urban area of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka Participants: Child-parent dyads of children aged 4-6 years. Final analyses included 306 (for food knowledge and preferences) and 258 (for dietary diversity) dyads. Results: MCI significantly influenced the impact pathways to children’s dietary diversity by increasing children’s food knowledge and healthy food preferences scores by 3.76 and 2.79 (P<0.001) respectively, but not the dietary diversity score (P=0.603), compared to control arm. Relative to SCI, MCI significantly improved children’s food knowledge score by 1.10 (P<0.001), but no significant effects were noted for other outcome variables. Conclusion: Improved food knowledge and preferences require a positive food environment and time to develop into healthy eating behaviours. Research into dietary diversity should broaden to incorporate the contextual roles of the home and general food environments to more completely understand food choices of children.

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