Vegetables Intake and Polymorphism TAS2R38 Gene by Healthy Adults
Condition: Healthy Lifestyle; Taste Disorders; Diet Habit
MeSH terms: Taste Disorders
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Personalized nutrition is one of the most up to date trends in human nutrition and gains much
      interest of general public and scientists as well. Although we have gained some knowledge on
      gene-trait associations, the real effectiveness and usefulness of genotype-based nutritional
      recommendations is unknown. Many personalized nutrition companies are on the market today,
      some of them use personalized nutrition based on genotype analysis. For this reason,
      scientific basis of this approach should be clarified.

      Our project can thus increase knowledge which can be applied in dietary counseling practice.
      Although we focus on increase vegetable and fruits intake, the study is designed as a proof
      of concept.
    

Detailed description: 
      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.
    

Intervention name(s): Intervention genotype personalized nutritional recommendations; Control Group 1 personalized nutritional recommendations; Control Group 2 general nutritional recommendations
Intervention type(s): Behavioral; Behavioral; Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Participants will receive personalized nutritional recommendations to increase fruit and vegetables consumption. Information about genotype will be given at the beginning of study; Participants will receive genotype personalized nutritional recommendations to increase fruit and vegetables consumption. Information about genotype will be given at the end of study; Participants will receive general nutritional recommendations to increase fruit and vegetables consumption
Other intervention name(s): with PAV haplotype; with PAV haplotype; with AVI haplotype
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: To achieve the goals of the study, a group of healthy adults will be qualified. Genotype will be assed at the baseline. Consumption of fruit and vegetables will be assessed before and after intervention. The duration of the study will be 20 weeks. Blood results and body analyze will be assessed at the beginning and after the intervention. Overall food consumption will be assessed at the beginning. For the basic characteristics of study participants, their anthropometric and biochemical parameters will be analyzed twice at the baseline and after intervention. The intervention effect, including the TAS2R38 polymorphism, will be analyzed by statistical analysis.
In a randomized manner volunteers will be assigned to one of three groups: intervention and two control group.
Masking: Single (Investigator)
Primary purpose: Basic Science
Keywords: TAS2R38 Polymorphism; bitter; taste; PAV; AVI; vegetables; personalized nutrition; genotype; intake; fruit and vegetables