Vegetables Intake and Polymorphism TAS2R38 Gene by Healthy Adults

In humans, the TAS2R38 receptor gene is responsible for differences in the perception of bitter taste. This gene codes for a G protein that is associated with a flavor receptor regulated by phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and propylthiouracil (PROP) ligands, which by binding to the receptor determines the degree of bitter taste. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which resemble PTC and PROP and thereby affect their perception of bitter taste through the TAS2R38 regulated receptor.

The polymorphism of this gene allows to distinguish three phenotypes:

• insensitive to bitter taste [bitter-non tasters]
• moderately sensitive to bitter taste [intermediate-bitter tasters]
• sensitive to bitter taste [bitter taster] Previous studies have shown that people who are carriers of one PAV haplotype experience a bitter taste more than AVI / AVI homozygotes, which are less sensitive to bitter taste. Hence, the TAS2R38 gene polymorphism is associated with nutritional decisions, including choice of vegetables and coffee.

Aim of the study is to verify effectiveness of the genotype based dietary intervention in people with or without polymorphism of TAS2R38 gene.

Inclusion criteria

• healthy

Exclusion criteria

• injuries, chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer, hyperthyroidism), recent diet, pregnancy, breastfeeding, limited communication to the extent that no nutritional history can be carried out, eating disorders (according to nutritional history)