Genetic taste responses to 6-n-propylthiouracil among adults: A screening tool for epidemiological studies

Genetically mediated taste responsiveness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) ha s been linked to reduced acceptance of some bitter foods. In this community -based study male (n = 364) and female (n = 378) adults enrolled in a self- help dietary intervention trial were screened for PROP taster status. Respo ndents, aged 18-70 years, were mailed filter papers impregnated with PROP o r with aspartame solutions. They received instructions to rate taste intens ity and hedonic preference using nine point category scales. Women rated PR OP as more bitter than did men. Both sweetness and bitterness ratings were lower for older adults. Taste responsiveness to PROP was unrelated to body mass index in women or men. Higher bitterness ratings for PROP were weakly associated with higher sweetness ratings for aspartame, but were unrelated to sweet taste preferences. Successful administration of PROP filter papers by mail suggests new avenues for the screening of taste phenotypes in epid emiological studies.