Cited by 195Biochemical Analysis and Sensing TechniquesGenetic Associations and EpidemiologyGenetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals

Sweet taste preferences are partly genetically determined: Identification of a trait locus on chromosome 16

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Keskitalo, Kaisu, Knaapila, Antti, Kallela, Mikko, Palotie, Aarno, Wessman, Maija, Sammalisto, Sampo, Peltonen, Leena, Tuorila, Hely +1 more·2007·The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Abstract

Background Humans have an innate preference for sweet taste, but the degree of liking for sweet foods varies individually.Objective The proportion of inherited sweet taste preference was studied. A genome-wide linkage analysis was performed to locate the underlying genetic elements in the genome.Design A total of 146 subjects (32% men, 68% women) aged 18-78 y from 26 Finnish families evaluated the intensity and pleasantness of 3 suprathreshold solutions of sucrose (3.0%, 7.5%, and 18.75%) and plain water and the intensity of filter paper impregnated with 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP). The subjects also reported the pleasantness and the use frequency of 5 sweet foods (chocolate, candy, ice cream, sweet desserts, and sweet pastry) and completed a food-behavior questionnaire that measured their craving for sweet foods.Results Of the chemosensory functions, the pleasantness rating of the strongest (18.75%) sucrose solution and the intensity rating of PROP yielded the highest heritability estimates (41% and 66%, respectively). The pleasantness and the use frequency of sweet foods (both variables calculated as a mean of ratings for 5 food items) and the craving for sweet foods showed significant heritability (40%, 50%, and 31%, respectively). A logarithm of odds score of 3.5 (P=0.00003) was detected for use frequency of sweet foods on chromosome 16p11.2 (marker D16S753).Conclusions Sweet taste preferences are partly inherited. Chromosome 16p11.2 may harbor genetic variations that affect the consumption of sweet foods.

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Crossref · 10.1093/ajcn/86.1.55

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Authors
Keskitalo, K., Knaapila, A., Kallela, M., Palotie, A., Wessman, M., Sammalisto, S., Peltonen, L., Tuorila, H., & Perola, M.
Affiliations
Broad Institute (US)
Corresponding author
Tuorila, Hely
Venue
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2007-07
Volume
86
Issue
1
Pages
55-63
ISSN
0002-9165 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2144283392
Cited by
195
References
49
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 16 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 13 · 2017: 9 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 8
FWCI
13.54
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01 NS37675, R01NS037675)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals
Keywords
sweet taste preference, heritability, sweets consumption, chromosome 16p11.2, genetic linkage, PROP sensitivity, taste perception
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16, DNA, Female, Food Preferences, Genotype, Humans, Lod Score, Male, Middle Aged, Propylthiouracil, Taste, Test Anxiety Scale, Microsatellite Repeats, Quantitative Trait Loci

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