The role of variation in the TAS2R50 bitter taste receptor gene is unknown, but may influence taste perception and dietary habits. Individuals (n=1171) aged 20 to 29, from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study, completed a food preference checklist and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess their preference and intake of potentially bitter foods and beverages. DNA was isolated from blood and genotyped for 3 polymorphisms in the TAS2R50 gene (rs2900554 A>C; rs10772397 A>G; rs1376251 A>G). Taste intensity was examined using taste strips infused with 3µg of naringin. The rs2900554 SNP was associated with naringin taste intensity, grapefruit preference and grapefruit intake in females. Homozygotes for the C allele reported the highest frequency of experiencing a high naringin taste intensity, disliking grapefruit and not consuming grapefruit. The rs10772397 and rs1376251 SNPs were associated with disliking grapefruit. These results suggest that naringin may be a ligand for the T2R50 receptor.

The role of variation in the TAS2R50 bitter taste receptor gene is unknown, but may influence taste perception and dietary habits. Individuals (n=1171) aged 20 to 29, from the Toronto Nutrigenomics and Health Study, completed a food preference checklist and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess their preference and intake of potentially bitter foods and beverages. DNA was isolated from blood and genotyped for 3 polymorphisms in the TAS2R50 gene (rs2900554 A>C; rs10772397 A>G; rs1376251 A>G). Taste intensity was examined using taste strips infused with 3µg of naringin. The rs2900554 SNP was associated with naringin taste intensity, grapefruit preference and grapefruit intake in females. Homozygotes for the C allele reported the highest frequency of experiencing a high naringin taste intensity, disliking grapefruit and not consuming grapefruit. The rs10772397 and rs1376251 SNPs were associated with disliking grapefruit. These results suggest that naringin may be a ligand for the T2R50 receptor.