NONTASTERS, TASTERS, AND SUPERTASTERS OF 6-N-PROPYLTHIOURACIL (PROP) AND HEDONIC RESPONSE TO SWEET

Genetic sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) has been reported t o predict hedonic response to sweet taste in both women and men. This study was based on a sample of 159 women of different ethnic backgroun ds, mean age 27.0 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) 23.2. The wome n were classified as nontasters (n = 43), regular tasters (n = 70), or supertasters (n = 46) of PROP on the basis of their PROP detection th resholds and the scaling of 5 suprathreshold solutions of PROP and NaC l. Nontasters had thresholds > 1.8 x 10(-4) mol/L PROP and PROP/NaCl r atios < 1.60. Supertasters had thresholds < 3.2 x 10(-5) mol/L PROP an d PROP/NaCl ratios > 1.60. Genetic sensitivity to PROP failed to predi ct sweetness intensity ratings or hedonic response profiles for sucros e solutions. Separating subjects into sucrose ''likers'' and ''dislike rs'' failed to reveal any significant links to PROP nontaster, taster, or supertaster status in this all-female sample. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sc ience Inc.