Jennifer Smith, PhD, RN, discusses her new study, which indicates that taste aversion to vegetables may have a genetic component. Specifically, inheriting the PAV haplotype of the TAS2R38 gene was found to predict lower vegetable consumption due to sensitivity to bitter taste. Often called "super-tasters," patients who possess the PAV haplotype may have difficulty adhering to heart-healthy nutritional guidelines, which in turn could affect cardiovascular risk. These findings were presented at the American Heart Association's 2019 Scientific Sessions.
Jennifer Smith, PhD, RN, is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
Reference:
Smith JL, Estus S, Lennie TA, Moser DK, Chung MLL, Mudd-Martin G. TAS2R38 haplotype predicts vegetable consumption in community dwelling adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Paper presented at: American Heart Associations 2019 Scientific Sessions; November 16-18, 2019; Philadelphia, PA.
