Polymorphism of genes encoding sweet and bitter taste receptors may affect snacking behaviour in middle-aged women: A Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined associations between polymorphisms in the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), taste receptor type 1 member 2 (TAS1R2), and taste receptor type 2 member 38 (TAS2R38) genes and the intake of fatty, sweet, and bitter snacks, as well as overall energy and macronutrient intake, in a population of peri- and postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: The cross-sectional analysis included 264 peri- and postmenopausal women (mean age 57.7 ± 6.9 years) recruited from two cohorts; 65% of the participants were overweight or obese. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Genotyping of CD36 rs1761667, TAS1R2 rs35874116, and TAS2R38 rs1726866, rs713598, and rs10246939 was performed using TaqMan assays. Snacking behaviour, classified according to the sensory characteristics of snacks, was assessed using food diaries. RESULTS: CD36 A-allele carriers consumed significantly fewer fatty snacks than GG homozygotes (p = 0.04). TAS1R2 Val carriers had lower dietary fibre intake and lower odds of consuming bitter-tasting fruits and vegetables or unsweetened tea and coffee. Women carrying at least one TAS2R38 PAV haplotype had higher carbohydrate and dietary fibre intakes (both p = 0.04) and were less likely to consume sweet snacks and sweetened beverages. CONCLUSIONS: Snacking behaviour in middle-aged women is associated with genetic variation in bitter and sweet taste receptors. These findings suggest that taste-related genetic polymorphism may be one of several factors associated with food choice patterns in this population.