Abstract
<jats:p>Background. Genetic variations in taste receptor genes, including taste 1 receptor member 1 (TAS1R1) involved in umami perception, may alter taste sensitivity and contribute to unfavorable dietary patterns. The purpose was to evaluate taste preferences in children with different genotypes of the single nucleotide variant rs17492553 in TAS1R1 and explore potential associations with obesity. Materials and methods. This case-control study included 450 children aged 6–18 years: 350 with obesity (main group) and 100 with normal body weight (controls). Taste preferences were assessed using an adapted Food and Beverage Preference Questionnaire and food diaries. Genotyping of rs17492553 in TAS1R1 was performed via next-generation sequencing in the obesity group at CeGaT GmbH (Tbingen, Germany). Results. Among children with obesity, those homozygous for the CC genotype showed stronger preferences for umami (85 vs 31 %; p < 0.00001) and salty tastes (90 vs 69 %; p = 0.02) compared to CT heterozygotes. CC carriers had higher preference scores for nachos/pizza (p < 0.05) and positive correlations with consumption of steak, broth, and cream. For sweet tastes, CC carriers preferred chocolate, whereas CT carriers favored sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks (p < 0.05). No genotype-dependent differences were observed for sour or bitter tastes overall, though CC genotype correlated with higher consumption of certain bitter foods. Conclusions. The rs17492553 variant in TAS1R1 appears to modulate taste preferences in children with obesity. The CC genotype may be associated with heightened preferences for umami- and salty-tasting foods, while the CT genotype is linked to increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. These differences could contribute to adverse dietary patterns.</jats:p>