Ability to Taste 6-n-Propylthiouracil and BMI in Low-income Preschool-aged Children

摘要: Background: Sensitivity to the bitter compound 6-n -propylthiouracil (PROP) is genetically mediated. PROP has been associated with weight status in both adults and children. Objective: To determine whether there an association between sensitivity BMI low-income children of diverse race/ethnicity, among whom a high prevalence obesity. Methods Procedures: Eighty-one preschool-aged attending Head Start tasted solution 560 μmol/l reported it “like water” or something else”. Mothers child’s race, age, maternal education, height, reluctance sample new foods via Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), dietary intake using food frequency questionnaire. Child height were measured. was calculated for children, expressed z-scores. Regression analyses used evaluate relationship taster z-score, testing covariates gender, education BMI, FNS score. Children’s compared by status. Results: tasters, nontasters, had significantly higher z-scores (0.99 (s.d. 1.24) vs. 0.03 (1.12), P = 0.004) overweight (31.8% 5.6%, 0.025), but demonstrated no differences intake. The most parsimonious model predicting z-score included only (R 2 22.3%). Discussion: A mediated ability taste may contribute obesity risk low-income,