Relationships amongst phenyltiocarbamide sensitivity, body composition, coffee and tea consumption

Polymorphisms of TAS2R38 gene responsible for bitter taste perception elicit a bimodal receptor response in the population upon the detection of phenylthiocarbamide and 6-n-propylthiouracil, respectively. Genetic differences in sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide and 6-n-propylthiouracil may affect body composition, food preferences, and frequency of consuming different food types. To date, no publication has been published in Hungary on the joint study of these factors. The aim of the present research is to find correlations between phenylthiocarbamide taster status and body composition, and the frequency of consumption of different bitter-tasting foods. In the study, a taster status survey of participants (n = 170), a bioimpedance-based body composition analysis (n = 96) and completed a food frequency questionnaire of bitter foods (n = 170) were conducted. Descriptive statistical methods, cross-tabulation analysis, multiple correspondence analysis, and Mann-Whitney test were used for data analysis at 5% significance level. The proportions of the taster and non-taster categories proved to be the same as reported by international literature (70%/30% respectively). There were no significant correlations among taster status and the other examined parameters, however, based on the multiple correspondence analysis, the observed trends are in accordance with the international literature. There were significant correlations among gender, body composition and some variables describing food preference. Based on the literature data and our own results, there can be a relationship between genotype and body composition, and genotype and food choice. Further analyses with large-sample size and representative research are needed to substantiate these assumptions.