Relationship of PROP (6-n-propylthiouracil) taster status with body mass index, food preferences, and consumption of Filipino adolescents

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship of PROP sensitivity with body mass index, food preferences, and consumption of Filipino adolescents, aged 13–17, from various parts of Quezon City, Rizal, and Marikina City. Anthropometric and dietary intake measurements followed by sensory evaluation for PROP taster status classification were done. Results showed that the Filipino adolescent sample population was composed of 7% nontasters, 59% medium tasters, and 34% supertasters. No association (p>0.05) between BMI and PROP taster status was found. Increased preferences for meat, poultry and fish, and condiments positively correlated (p<0.05) with PROP taster status. However, no significant relationship (p>0.05) was shown between PROP taster status and food consumption of Filipino adolescents. The correlation between food preferences and consumption and PROP taster status of Filipino adolescents may be due to parental influence, limited range of experience and food appreciation since food preference is within their hedonic qualities.