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Genetic variation in the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor and overweight among adults in Southwest Finland

Ulla Hoppu (Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland)
Hanna Lagström (Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, Finland)
Mari Sandell (Functional Foods Forum, University of Turku, Turku, Finland)

Nutrition & Food Science

ISSN: 0034-6659

Article publication date: 12 February 2018

313

Abstract

Purpose

Polymorphisms in taste receptor genes may be associated with taste sensitivity and possibly with food consumption and body weight. Previous studies relating bitter taste sensitivity to body mass index (BMI) had inconsistent findings. This paper aims to investigate the weight and body composition indicators among the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor genotype groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Adults participating in the STEPS study (steps to the healthy development and well-being of children) cohort in Southwest Finland have been investigated. DNA has been extracted from buccal cell samples, and alleles of the gene TAS2R38 have been determined. Measurements at the follow-up visit include weight and height to calculate BMI, waist circumference (WC) and body composition with bioimpedance (women n = 757, men n = 714).

Findings

The mean BMI was 25.3 (SD 5.4) kg/m2 among women and 26.7 (SD 3.9) kg/m2 among men. BMI, WC and body fat percentage did not differ significantly between the TAS2R38 genotype groups in either gender. The proportion of subjects classified as overweight (BMI ≥ 25) did not vary significantly between the genotype groups.

Originality/value

The TAS2R38 genotype is not associated with being overweight in this cohort. Determinants of body weight are complex, and the role of other taste genotypes and phenotypes should be investigated in the future.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to all the families who participated in the study, the midwives for their help in recruiting the families and the whole STEPS study team, including Johanna Mäkelä, Jenni Vaarno, Mira Katajamäki and Jenni Iirola. Hilkka Terho and Saila Mattila are thanked for providing technical help in genotyping and Tero Vahlberg for providing statistical consultation. The Academy of Finland is acknowledged for funding (MS252005, 256176, 263747 and HL12156). The STEPS study is also funded by the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University and the Turku University Hospital.

Citation

Hoppu, U., Lagström, H. and Sandell, M. (2018), "Genetic variation in the TAS2R38 bitter taste receptor and overweight among adults in Southwest Finland", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 48 No. 1, pp. 88-96. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-05-2017-0095

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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