Are there differences in taste preferences according to genetic polymorphisms? A study with children submitted to different methods of complementary feeding?

Abstract Background The development of child taste preferences seems to play a crucial role in food preferences and health outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the differences in taste preferences according to genetic polymorphisms in children allocated to different methods of complementary feeding (CF). This was a secondary analysis derived from a randomized clinical trial involving distinct groups of children regarding the method of CF. The intervention occurred at 5.5 months old. At 12 months old, the Feeding Preferences Questionnaire (FPQ) was applied. Between 12–35 months old, the Taste Acceptance Test (TAT) was performed and oral mucosa was collected. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. The main analyses were performed using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with TAS1R3(rs35744813) (p = 0.039). The type of milk consumed at 12 months was associated with TAS1R2(rs9701796) (p = 0.022), and with the number of polymorphisms related to sweet taste perception (p = 0.013). As for the FPQ, there was an association between TAS1R3(rs35744813) with the preference for sour-tasting foods (p = 0.040), and between TAS2R16(rs846672) with the preference for umami-flavored foods (p = 0.042). Concerning the TAT, the infant’s reaction to the bitter taste was associated with TAS1R2(rs9701796) (p = 0.021), with TAS1R3(rs307355) (p = 0.008), and with the count of polymorphisms related to the sweet taste perception (p = 0.037); in addition, the reaction to the sour taste was associated with the count of polymorphisms related to the bitter taste perception (p = 0.048). Conclusions The study concluded that genetic polymorphisms act on infant food acceptance, generating differences in food preferences.