Genetic Variation Linked To Preference Sugary Food

[The Straight Story]

Genetic Variation Linked To Preference Sugary Food

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2008) — A new study in Physiological Genomics finds that individuals with a specific genetic variation consistently consume more sugary foods. The study offers the first evidence of the role that a variation in the GLUT2 gene -- a gene that controls sugar entry into the cells -- has on sugar intake, and may help explain individual preferences for foods high in sugar.

The study was conducted by Ahmed El-Sohemy, Karen M. Eny, Thomas M.S. Wolever and Benedicte Fontaine-Bisson, all of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. *

Summary of the Study

Food preferences are influenced by the environment as well as genetics. Cravings for foods high in sugar vary from person to person, but the reasons why are still unclear. To better understand the mechanism, the research team examined the effect of a common variation in a gene that controls the entry of sugar (glucose) into cells. The gene is called glucose transporter type 2 or GLUT2.

The researchers tested the effects of the genetic variation in two distinct populations. One population consisted of older adults who were all either overweight or obese. The other population consisted of generally healthy young adults who were mostly lean.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080514064928.htm

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Very interesting

I've often wondered if, perhaps, eating habits were a result not only of habit but also genetics. Thanks for posting.

[Fumesucker]

2. It's been my observation

That people who really like beer generally don't care all that much for sweets...

And vice versa.

[The Straight Story]

3. I would agree

I like alchiehaul a lot and don't much favor sweet stuff :)

[enlightenment]

4. But I love beer

and I have a real sweet tooth, as well.

But not when I'm drinking the beer.

[Fumesucker]

6. Like I said, that is generally true.. Of course there are exceptions n/t

[distantearlywarning]

7. Interesting.

My own anecdotal observation agrees with this hypothesis.

[Thothmes]

8. Strange you mention that

I do like beer a lot, but don't drink soda, don't particularly care for candies/chocolates, usually skip deserts. Do have a liking for a good apple pie though

[mainegreen]

9. Whoah. I think you're on to something.

[fed-up]

5. faulty data collection-overweight group asked about diet during 2-3 day periods-lean group 1 month

why did they not collect same diet data from both groups?
note-I am lean and love my sweets...

from the article:

The researchers tested the effects of the genetic variation in two distinct populations. One population consisted of older adults who were all either overweight or obese. The other population consisted of generally healthy young adults who were mostly lean.

The diet of the participants in the first population was assessed by recording all of the foods and beverages consumed over a three day period, and repeating this 3-day food record two weeks later to ensure that the effect was reproducible. All participants were interviewed face-to-face during the two visits to the research centers. For the second population, the study participants used a questionnaire that asked about the foods and beverages typically consumed during a one month period.