Association of phenylthiocarbamide perception with anthropometric variables and intake and liking for bitter vegetables

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Trius Soler, Marta
  • Paz A Bersano-Reyes
  • Clara Góngora
  • Rosa M Lamuela-Raventós
  • Gema Nieto
  • Juan J Moreno

Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) sensitivity, a sensory trait mediated by the bitter taste receptor 38 (TAS2R38), has been described as a promising biomarker of health status or disease risk. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the influence of PTC phenotypes on (1) individual anthropometric and clinical history variables; (2) other basic taste recognition thresholds (RTs), and (3) the hedonic perception and habitual intake of Brassicaceae vegetables in a young adult population (18.9 ± 1.7 years old). The PTC phenotype was determined by the quantitative measure of the PTC recognition threshold (non-tasters, 24.1%; tasters, 52.3%; and super tasters, 23.6%). No significant differences in smoking habits, oral and nasal disorders, family antecedents of diseases related to metabolic syndrome, and Brassicaceae vegetable hedonic perception and consumption were found between the PTC phenotype groups. The average BMI of super-taster females and males was significantly lower compared to non-tasters. In addition, the PTC taster status was a predictor of lower scores for other basic taste RTs. Overall, the defined PTC super-taster cohort could be differentiated from the non-tasters by variables related to weight control such as BMI and sucrose RT.

Original languageEnglish
Article number12
JournalGenes and Nutrition
Volume17
Number of pages11
ISSN1555-8932
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).

    Research areas

  • Bitter taste, Body mass index, Brassicaceae, Non-tasters, Recognition threshold, Super-tasters

ID: 323197791