Ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil and BMI in low-income preschool-aged children

Background: Sensitivity to the bitter compound 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) is genetically mediated. Sensitivity to PROP has been associated with weight status in both adults and children. Objective: To determine whether there is an association between PROP sensitivity and BMI in low‐income children of diverse race/ethnicity, among whom there is a high prevalence of obesity. Methods and Procedures: Eighty‐one preschool‐aged children attending Head Start tasted a solution of 560 μmol/l PROP and reported whether it tasted “like water” or “like something else”. Mothers reported child's race, age, maternal education, maternal weight and height, child's reluctance to sample new foods via the Food Neophobia Scale (FNS), and child's dietary intake using a food frequency questionnaire. Child weight and height were measured. BMI was calculated and for children, expressed in z‐scores. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between child's PROP taster status and BMI z‐score, testing covariates child's age, gender, race, maternal education and BMI, and child's FNS score. Children's dietary intake was compared by PROP taster status. Results: PROP tasters, compared with nontasters, had significantly higher BMI z‐scores (0.99 (s.d. 1.24) vs. 0.03 (1.12), P = 0.004) and had a significantly higher prevalence of overweight (31.8% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.025), but demonstrated no differences in reported dietary intake. The most parsimonious model predicting the child's BMI z‐score included only maternal BMI and the child's PROP taster status (R ² = 22.3%). Discussion: A genetically mediated ability to taste bitter may contribute to obesity risk in low‐income, preschool‐aged children.     

RELATIONSHIP OF PROP (6-N-PROPYLTHIOURACIL) TASTER STATUS WITH THE BODY MASS INDEX AND FOOD PREFERENCES OF FILIPINO ADULTS

The study determined the 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) status of Filipino adults and how it relates to their body mass indices (BMI) and food preferences. Self-reported food preference checklists were administered to 100 male and female adults aged 18–60, classified according to BMI. Increasing concentrations of PROP and NaCl solutions were rated in labeled magnitude scale to establish the PROP taster status of the selected respondents. The Filipino adult respondents were composed of 12% nontasters, 45% medium tasters and 43% supertasters. No association ( P >  0.05) between BMI and PROP taster status was found. Sweet-tasting foods were the most preferred and bitter-tasting foods were the least preferred within each taster status. Furthermore, medium tasters and supertasters had the highest acceptance for meats, fish and poultry, and least acceptance for beverages, which were mostly bitter. Decreased preferences for fats and oils, sugars and confectionery, and beverages were correlated ( P <  0.05) with responsiveness to PROP.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The research provides a general baseline data of the PROP taster status of Filipino adults. The findings from this study can be used as a reference and can be compared to similar studies conducted in other countries. Likewise, the information from the study can add to the scarce data for taste genetics specifically for the Asian population. The relationship of PROP taster status with body mass index and food preferences can be a guide in the design of products and dietary plans. Likewise, the study would be a means to understand why people vary in liking for particular food items and how these can be reflected in their food consumption and nutritional status.     

Variation in the bitter-taste receptor gene TAS2R38, and adiposity in a genetically isolated population in Southern Italy

Objective: Variation in the bitter‐taste receptor gene, TAS2R38 confers the ability to taste 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP). The objective of this study was to relate TAS2R38 haplotypes and PROP‐tasting phenotypes to adiposity in a genetically isolated population. We hypothesized that the nontaster phenotype would be associated with higher BMI and waist circumference (WC) in females, and that dietary restraint would mediate this relationship. Methods and Procedures: Participants were 540 healthy inhabitants of the genetically isolated village of Carlantino in southern Italy who were 15–89 years of age at the time of the study. Haplotype analyses were performed and PROP tasting was assessed using a filter paper method. Height, weight, and WC were measured and restrained eating was assessed using a brief questionnaire. Results: Nontaster females had higher BMI and WC than females who were phenotypic tasters, and this relationship was specific to females with low dietary restraint. Regression analysis showed that BMI declined by 1.7 units across taster groups in females when the model included the PROP by restraint interaction. PROP phenotype was not significantly associated with WC in the regression models. Polymorphisms in TAS2R38 were not associated with BMI or WC in females. Neither TAS2R38 haplotype nor PROP phenotype was strongly related to BMI or WC in males. Discussion: These data support previous findings of a relation between the nontaster phenotype and higher BMI in females that is modified by dietary restraint. Assessment of PROP phenotypes might provide unique information about adiposity that is not captured by haplotype analysis alone.     

Inherited Taste Sensitivity to 6‐n‐Propylthiouracil in Diet and Body Weight in Children

Objective: Negative associations between the inherited ability to taste the bitter compound 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) and preference for fat and body weight have been observed in adults. This study tested the relationships among the ability to taste PROP, reported food intake, and body weight in young children. Research Methods and Procedures: Fifty‐three 4‐ to 5‐year‐old children were classified as tasters (N = 35) or nontasters (N = 18) of PROP using a standard screening solution. Anthropometric measures were taken in the laboratory. Mothers completed questionnaires to assess their child's food intake and their own dieting behaviors. Results: Nontaster boys had higher weight‐for‐height percentiles than taster boys (77th vs. 56th percentile, respectively), but the relationship was opposite for girls (p ≤ 0.05). Nontasters reportedly consumed a higher percentage of their daily energy from protein (p ≤ 0.01), mainly as high‐fat meat products. Tasters reportedly consumed a higher percentage of their daily energy from sugars (p ≤ 0.05), mainly in the form of brownies, doughnuts, cookies, soft drinks, and juice drinks. There were no differences between tasters and nontasters for reported intake of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or discretionary fats. Discussion: This study is the first, to our knowledge, to report weight differences in children as a function of their PROP status. Genetic taste factors seem to play a role in the development of dietary patterns and weight differences in young children, but the nature of these relationships may vary with gender.     

Genetic sensitivity to bitter taste of 6-n Propylthiouracil: A useful diagnostic aid to detect early childhood caries in pre-school children

PURPOSE:

Genetic factor to bitter taste perception appears to be largely mediated by the TAS2R38 gene. The insensitivity to bitter compounds like 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is mediated by this gene. PROP, a pharmacological drug used in treatment of Graves’ disease, proved to be useful tool in determining the genetic sensitivity levels to bitter and sweet taste. The purpose of this study is to show much simpler PROP sensitivity technique for the clinical examiner and its application as a diagnostic aid in Early Childhood Caries (ECC) detection among preschool children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 119 children belonging to the age group of 36 to 71 months of both sexes, were recruited from A. J. Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore (Karnataka). PROP sensitivity test was carried out to determine the inherent genetic ability to taste a bitter or sweet substance. This study used simpler scaling method to find out genetic sensitivity to bitter taste; one who tasted bitter as taster and one who was not able to differentiate/tasted like paper as non-taster. A questionnaire was provided to evaluate their dietary habits and caries experience was recorded. Collected data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS:

In the total of 119 children the mean dmfs was definitely higher in non-taster children compared to tasters. The tasters had a mean dmfs value of 9.5120 (S.D. 7.0543) and non-tasters had a value of 7.7250 (S.D. 8.33147), which was statistically significant. The results suggested that there was increase in caries experience among the group of non-tasters as compared to tasters. Tasters tended to be sweet dislikers and non-tasters tended to be sweet likers. On the whole, tasters had a bad dentition as compared to non tasters.

CONCLUSION:

The PROP sensitivity test (filter paper test) proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in determining the genetic sensitivity levels of bitter taste. The knowledge of a child''s taste perception can help us in identifying the children who are at higher risk for ECC.     

Sex Differences in the Effects of Inherited Bitter Thiourea Sensitivity on Body Weight in 4–6‐Year‐Old Children

Previous studies have shown that inherited taste blindness to bitter compounds like 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) may be a risk factor for obesity, but this literature has been highly controversial. The objectives of this study were (i) to confirm findings that show an interaction between PROP status and sex on BMI z‐score, and (ii) to determine if sex also interacts with variations in TAS2R38 (phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) genotype) to influence weight status in 4–6 year olds. Also, we tested whether nontaster children consumed more fat and total energy at laboratory‐based meals. Seventy‐two ethnically diverse children who ranged in weight status were classified as tasters (N = 52) or nontasters (N = 20) using a standard PROP screening solution. Anthropometric measures were taken, and at the end of each visit, children ate ad libitum from test meals intended for exploratory purposes. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva and alleles at TAS2R38 were genotyped for A49P polymorphisms. In 75.8% of children, PTC genotype predicted PROP phenotype, whereas in 24.4%, genotype did not predict phenotype. PROP nontaster males had higher BMI z‐scores than taster‐males and females in both groups (P < 0.05), but due to a three‐way interaction between PROP phenotype, TAS2R38 genotype, and sex, this relationship was only true for children who were homozygous for the bitter‐insensitive allele (P < 0.0005). There were no differences in test‐meal intake as a function of PROP phenotype or TAS2R38 genotype. These results suggest that the TAS2R38 variation, PROP phenotype, and sex interact to impact obesity risk in children. Future studies should be done to determine how this trait influences energy balance.     

PROP (6-n-Propylthiouracil) tasting and sensory responses to caffeine,sucrose, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone and chocolate

The genetically determined ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) has been linked with lowered acceptance of some bitter foods. Fifty-four women, aged 18-30 years, tasted and rated PROP-impregnated filter paper and seven solutions of PROP. Summed bitterness intensity ratings for PROP solutions determined PROP taster status. Respondents also tasted five sucrose and seven caffeine solutions, as well as seven solutions each of caffeine and PROP that had been sweetened with 0.3 mmol/l neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC). Respondents also rated three kinds of chocolate using 9-point category scales. PROP tasters rated caffeine solutions as more bitter than did non-tasters and liked them less. PROP tasters did not rate either sucrose or NHDC as more sweet. The addition of NHDC to PROP and caffeine solutions suppressed bitterness intensity more effectively for tasters than for non-tasters and improved hedonic ratings among both groups. PROP tasters and non-tasters showed the same hedonic response to sweetened caffeine solutions and did not differ in their sensory responses to chocolate. Genetic taste markers may have only a minor impact on the consumption of such foods as sweetened coffee or chocolate.     

Marked Increase in PROP Taste Responsiveness Following Oral Supplementation with Selected Salivary Proteins or Their Related Free Amino Acids

The genetic predisposition to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) varies among individuals and is associated with salivary levels of Ps-1 and II-2 peptides, belonging to the basic proline-rich protein family (bPRP). We evaluated the role of these proteins and free amino acids that selectively interact with the PROP molecule, in modulating bitter taste responsiveness. Subjects were classified by their PROP taster status based on ratings of perceived taste intensity for PROP and NaCl solutions. Quantitative and qualitative determinations of Ps-1 and II-2 proteins in unstimulated saliva were performed by HPLC-ESI-MS analysis. Subjects rated PROP bitterness after supplementation with Ps-1 and II-2, and two amino acids (L-Arg and L-Lys) whose interaction with PROP was demonstrated by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. ANOVA showed that salivary levels of II-2 and Ps-1 proteins were higher in unstimulated saliva of PROP super-tasters and medium tasters than in non-tasters. Supplementation of Ps-1 protein in individuals lacking it in saliva enhanced their PROP bitter taste responsiveness, and this effect was specific to the non-taster group.¹H-NMR results showed that the interaction between PROP and L-Arg is stronger than that involving L-Lys, and taste experiments confirmed that oral supplementation with these two amino acids increased PROP bitterness intensity, more for L-Arg than for L-Lys. These data suggest that Ps-1 protein facilitates PROP bitter taste perception and identifies a role for free L-Arg and L-Lys in PROP tasting.     

Evolution of phenylthiocarbamide taster trait in Mysore, South India

BACKGROUND:

The ability to taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), a bitter chemical has long been known to be a heritable trait, which is being widely used for both genetic and anthropological studies. The frequency of taster and non-taster allele is found to vary in different populations.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the frequency of taster trait in Mysore, South India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present investigation was conducted in Mysore, South India during 2002 - 2003. About 3282 subjects irrespective of age, sex, religion, food habits, socio-economic status were randomly selected from various parts of the city and a total of 180 families, which included Christian (50), Hindu (61) and Muslim (69) were screened from different localities of the city. Harris and Kalmus method was used to assess the PTC taster and nontaster phenotype.

RESULTS:

It was found that tasters were significantly more frequent than nontasters in all the four categories. The incidence of tasters was more in unbiased category (85%) and less in Muslim category (58%). Investigations on PTC tasting in the families of three different religious groups revealed that the tasters were significantly more frequent than nontasters. It was also found that heterozygous father or mother for the taster genes with nontaster partner had taster and nontaster progenies in the ratio 1.0: 1.54 indicating the deviation in the segregation pattern of test cross.

CONCLUSION:

In Mysore, tasters are more frequent than nontasters. Variation in the frequency of nontaster allele in the religious groups could be due to inbreeding.     

Two‐Year Changes in Child Weight Status,Diet, and Activity by Neighborhood Nutrition and Physical Activity Environment

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine 2‐year changes in weight status and behaviors among children living in neighborhoods differing on nutrition and activity environments.

Methods

A prospective observational study, the Neighborhood Impact on Kids study, was conducted in King County, Washington, and San Diego County, California. Children 6 to 12 years old and a parent or caregiver completed Time 1 (n = 681) and Time 2 (n = 618) assessments. Children lived in neighborhoods characterized as “high/favorable” or “low/unfavorable” in nutrition and activity environments, respectively (four neighborhood types). Child BMI z score and overweight or obesity status were primary outcomes, with diet and activity behaviors as behavioral outcomes.

Results

After adjusting for sociodemographics and Time 1 values, children living in two of the three less environmentally supportive neighborhoods had significantly less favorable BMI z score changes (+0.11, 95% CI: 0.01‐0.21; + 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03‐0.21), and all three less supportive neighborhoods had higher overweight or obesity (relative risks, 1.41‐1.49; 95% CI: 1.13‐1.80) compared with children in the most environmentally supportive neighborhoods. Changes in daily energy intake and sedentary behavior by neighborhood type were consistent with observed weight status changes, with unexpected findings for physical activity.

Conclusions

More walkable and recreation‐supportive environments with better nutrition access were associated with better child weight outcomes and related behavior changes.     

Genetic Sensitivity to 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) and Hedonic Responses to Bitter and Sweet Tastes

Genetically mediated sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil(PROP) has been associated with greater acuity for bitter andfor some sweet tastes. Thus far, few studies have explored therelationship between PROP taste sensitivity and hedonic responsesto bitter and sweet. In this study, 87 normal-weight young womenwere divided into PROP non-tasters (n = 18), regular tasters(n = 49), and supertasters (n = 20), based on their PROP detectionthresholds and the scaling of five suprathreshold solutionsof PROP and NaCl. Non-tasters had thresholds >1.8 x 10^–4mol/l PROP. Supertasters had thresholds <3.2 x 10^–5mol/l PROP and PROP/NaCl ratios >1.70. As expected, dislikeof the bitter taste of PROP was determined by its perceivedintensity, which was greater among supertasters than among regulartasters or non-tasters. Significant correlations were observedbetween PROP taste thresholds and the sum of intensity ratings(r = –0.61) and between summed intensity and summed hedonicratings (r = –0.80). PROP taste sensitivity was weaklylinked to enhanced perception of sweet taste, but did not predicthedonic responses to sucrose or to saccharin solutions. Giventhat the dislike of PROP solutions is determined by their perceivedintensity, hedonic responses to PROP solutions may provide arapid way of screening for PROP taster status. Chem. Senses22: 27–37, 1997.     

Adiposity in Middle‐aged Women is Associated with Genetic Taste Blindness to 6‐n‐Propylthiouracil

Objective: Taste blindness to the bitterness of 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) may be a genetic marker for food preferences and dietary choices that ultimately influence body weight. A previous study in middle‐aged women showed that those who were taste blind to PROP (i.e., nontasters) had higher BMIs than those with the greatest sensitivity to PROP (i.e., supertasters). This study tested the hypothesis that the nontaster phenotype was associated with greater adiposity in middle‐aged women. Research Methods and Procedures: Forty women with a mean BMI of 26.6 ± 1.3 kg/m² and a mean age of 41.8 ± 1.8 years were recruited from the local community. They were classified as nontasters (n = 8), medium tasters (n = 18), or supertasters (n = 14) of PROP using a filter paper screening procedure. Anthropometric measures included height, weight, body fatness, triceps skinfold thickness, and waist circumference. Dietary restraint and disinhibition were also measured to assess cognitions associated with body weight. Results: BMI was 6.2 units higher in nontaster women compared with supertaster women (29.7 ± 0.9 vs. 23.5 ± 0.9, respectively; p < 0.05). Body fatness (p < 0.01) and triceps skinfold thickness (p < 0.05) were also higher in these women. Waist circumference showed a trend in the appropriate direction. Although disinhibition was associated with greater adiposity, the relation between PROP status and adiposity was not altered after controlling for disinhibition. Discussion: The PROP nontaster phenotype was strongly associated with several measures of adiposity in middle‐aged women. These data confirm our previous findings and suggest that the PROP polymorphism may be a reliable indicator of weight gain susceptibility.     

Uric acid best predicts metabolically unhealthy obesity with increased cardiovascular risk in youth and adults

Objective:

The obesity prevalence is growing worldwide and largely responsible for cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death in the western world. The rationale of this study was to distinguish metabolically healthy from unhealthy overweight/obese young and adult patients as compared to healthy normal weight age matched controls by an extensive anthropometric, laboratory, and sonographic vascular assessment.

Design and Methods:

Three hundred fifty five young [8 to < 18 years, 299 overweight/obese(ow/ob), 56 normal weight (nw)] and 354 adult [>18‐60 years, 175 (ow/ob), 179 nw)] participants of the STYJOBS/EDECTA (STYrian Juvenile Obesity Study/Early DEteCTion of Atherosclerosis) cohort were analyzed. STYJOBS/EDECTA (NCT00482924) is a crossectional study to investigate metabolic/cardiovascular risk profiles in normal and ow/ob people free of disease except metabolic syndrome (MetS).

Results:

From 299 young ow/ob subjects (8‐< 18 years), 108 (36%), and from 175 adult ow/ob subjects (>18‐60 years), 79 (45%) had positive criteria for MetS. In both age groups, prevalence of MetS was greater among males. Overweight/obese subjects were divided into “healthy” (no MetS criterion except anthropometry fulfilled) and “unhealthy” (MetS positive). Although percentage body fat did not differ between “healthy” and “unhealthy” ow/ob, nuchal and visceral fat were significantly greater in the “unhealthy” group which had also significantly higher values of carotid intima media thickness (IMT). With MetS as the dependent variable, two logistic regressions including juveniles < 18 years or adults >18 years were performed. The potential predictor variables selected with the exception of age and gender by t test comparisons included IMT, ultrasensitive c‐reactive protein (US‐CRP), IL‐6, malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized LDL, leptin, adiponectin, uric acid (UA), aldosterone, cortisol, transaminases, fibrinogen. In both groups, uric acid and in adults only, leptin and adiponectin, turned out as the best predictor.

Conclusion:

Serum levels of UA are a significant predictor of unhealthy obesity in juveniles and adults.     

Maternal feeding strategies, child eating behaviors, and child BMI in low-income African-American preschoolers

Objective: To test the hypothesis that low‐income African‐American preschool children would have a higher BMI if their mothers reported greater “restriction” and “control” in feeding and if mothers reported that children showed greater “food responsiveness” and “desire to drink.” In addition, to test whether higher maternal “pressure to eat” would be associated with lower child BMI. Research Methods and Procedures: A questionnaire was completed by 296 low‐income African‐American mothers of preschool children. It assessed three constructs on maternal feeding strategies (“restriction,” “pressure to eat,” and “control”) and two on child eating behaviors (“food responsiveness” and “desire to drink”). Children's BMI was measured, and mothers’ BMI was self‐reported. Results: The mean (standard deviation) BMI z‐score of the children was 0.34 (1.5), and 44% of the mothers were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Only maternal “pressure to eat” had a significant overall association with child BMI z‐score (r = ?0.16, p < 0.01). Both maternal “restriction” and “control” were positively associated with children's BMI z‐score in the case of obese mothers (r = 0.20, p = 0.03 and r = 0.24, p = 0.007, respectively), but this was not so in the case of non‐obese mothers (r = ?0.16, p = 0.05 and r = ?0.07, p = 0.39, respectively). Discussion: Among low‐income African Americans, the positive association between maternal restriction and control in feeding and their preschoolers’ BMI was limited to obese mothers. Relations between parent feeding strategies and child weight status in this population may differ on the basis of maternal weight status.     

Neighborhood health‐promoting resources and obesity risk (the multi‐ethnic study of atherosclerosis)

Objective:

While behavioral change is necessary to reverse the obesity epidemic, it can be difficult to achieve and sustain in unsupportive residential environments. This study hypothesized that environmental resources supporting walking and a healthy diet are associated with reduced obesity incidence.

Design and Methods:

Data came from 4,008 adults aged 45‐84 at baseline who participated in a neighborhood ancillary study of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Participants were enrolled at six study sites at baseline (2000‐2002) and neighborhood scales were derived from a supplementary survey that asked community residents to rate availability of healthy foods and walking environments for a 1‐mile buffer area. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Associations between incident obesity and neighborhood exposure were examined using proportional hazards and generalized linear regression.

Results:

Among 4,008 nonobese participants, 406 new obesity cases occurred during 5 years of follow‐up. Neighborhood healthy food environment was associated with 10% lower obesity incidence per s.d. increase in neighborhood score. The association persisted after adjustment for baseline BMI and individual‐level covariates (hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 0.97), and for correlated features of the walking environment but CIs widened to include the null (HR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.77, 1.03). Associations between neighborhood walking environment and lower obesity were weaker and did not persist after adjustment for correlated neighborhood healthy eating amenities (HR 0.98, 95% CI: 0.84, 1.15).

Conclusions:

Altering the residential environment so that healthier behaviors and lifestyles can be easily chosen may be a precondition for sustaining existing healthy behaviors and for adopting new healthy behaviors.     

Physical growth and development, neurological maturation, and behavioral functioning in two Ecuadorian Andean communities in which goiter is endemic. II. PTC taste sensitivity and neurological maturation

PTC (phenylthiocarbamide) taste sensitivity was correlated with a measure of visual-motor maturation in children six to 15 years of age in two Ecuadorian Andean communities in which goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and cretinism are endemic. The children in one population received injections of iodine in oil IM in 1966 while the children in the other population did not. The correlations between PTC taste sensitivity and visual-motor maturation were significant in both sex groups in the non-iodized population, but not in the iodized population. There was also a significant increase in taste sensitivity with age in the non-iodized, but not the iodized, population. The data support the hypothesis that the sensitive “tasters” of PTC limit their ingestion of naturally occurring goitrogens and are at an adaptive advantage with respect to the less sensitive “tasters” and “non-tasters” in this area in which iodine intake is low and the consumption of food crops containing naturally occurring goitrogens is high.     

Food Marketing towards Children: Brand Logo Recognition,Food-Related Behavior and BMI among 3–13-Year-Olds in a South Indian Town

Objectives

To assess exposure to marketing of unhealthy food products and its relation to food related behavior and BMI in children aged 3–13, from different socioeconomic backgrounds in a south Indian town.

Methods

Child-parent pairs (n = 306) were recruited at pediatric clinics. Exposure to food marketing was assessed by a digital logo recognition test. Children matched 18 logos of unhealthy food (high in fat/sugar/salt) featured in promotion material from the food industry to pictures of corresponding products. Children''s nutritional knowledge, food preferences, purchase requests, eating behavior and socioeconomic characteristics were assessed by a digital game and parental questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements were recorded.

Results

Recognition rates for the brand logos ranged from 30% to 80%. Logo recognition ability increased with age (p<0.001) and socioeconomic level (p<0.001 comparing children in the highest and lowest of three socioeconomic groups). Adjusted for gender, age and socioeconomic group, logo recognition was associated with higher BMI (p = 0.022) and nutritional knowledge (p<0.001) but not to unhealthy food preferences or purchase requests.

Conclusions

Children from higher socioeconomic groups in the region had higher brand logo recognition ability and are possibly exposed to more food marketing. The study did not lend support to a link between exposure to marketing and poor eating behavior, distorted nutritional knowledge or increased purchase requests. The correlation between logo recognition and BMI warrants further investigation on food marketing towards children and its potential role in the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in this part of India.     

Dietary Restraint and Control Over “Wanting” Following Consumption of “Forbidden” Food

Eating behavior can be influenced by the rewarding value of food, i.e., “liking” and “wanting.” The objective of this study was to assess in normal‐weight dietary restrained (NR) vs. unrestrained (NU) eaters how rewarding value of food is affected by satiety, and by eating a nonhealthy perceived, dessert‐specific food vs. a healthy perceived, neutral food (chocolate mousse vs. cottage cheese). Subjects (24NR age = 25.0 ± 8.2 years, BMI = 22.3 ± 2.1 kg/m²; 26NU age = 24.8 ± 8.0 years, BMI = 22.1 ± 1.7 kg/m²) came to the university twice, fasted (randomized crossover design). Per test‐session “liking” and “wanting” for 72 items divided in six categories (bread, filling, drinks, dessert, sweets, stationery (placebo)) was measured, before and after consumption of chocolate mousse/cottage cheese, matched for energy content (5.6 kJ/g) and individual daily energy requirements (10%). Chocolate mousse was liked more than cottage cheese (P < 0.05). After consumption of chocolate mousse or cottage cheese, appetite and “liking” vs. placebo were decreased in NR and NU (P < 0.03), whereas “wanting” was only decreased in NR vs. NU (P ≤ 0.01). In NR vs. NU “wanting” was specifically decreased after chocolate mousse vs. cottage cheese; this decrease concerned especially “wanting” for bread and filling (P < 0.05). To conclude, despite similar decreases in appetite and “liking” after a meal in NR and NU, NR decrease “wanting” in contrast to NU. NR decrease “wanting” specifically for a nonhealthy perceived, “delicious,” dessert‐specific food vs. a nutritional identical, yet healthy perceived, slightly less “delicious,” “neutral” food. A healthy perceived food may thus impose greater risk for control of energy intake in NR.     

Accuracy of prediction scores and novel biomarkers for predicting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children

Background:

Accurate prediction scores for liver steatosis are demanded to enable clinicians to noninvasively screen for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several prediction scores have been developed, however external validation is lacking.

Objective:

The aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of four existing prediction scores in severely obese children, to develop a new prediction score using novel biomarkers and to compare these results to the performance of ultrasonography.

Design and Results:

Liver steatosis was measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 119 severely obese children (mean age 14.3 ± 2.1 years, BMI z‐score 3.35 ± 0.35). Prevalence of steatosis was 47%. The four existing predictions scores (“NAFLD liver fat score,” “fatty liver index,” “hepatic steatosis index,” and the pediatric prediction score) had only moderate diagnostic accuracy in this cohort (positive predictive value (PPV): 70, 61, 61, 69% and negative predictive value (NPV) 77, 69, 68, 75%, respectively). A new prediction score was built using anthropometry, routine biochemistry and novel biomarkers (leptin, adiponectin, TNF‐alpha, IL‐6, CK‐18, FGF‐21, and adiponutrin polymorphisms). The final model included ALT, HOMA, sex, and leptin. This equation (PPV 79% and NPV 80%) did not perform substantially better than the four other equations and did not outperform ultrasonography for excluding NAFLD (NPV 82%).

Conclusion:

The conclusion is in severely obese children and adolescents existing prediction scores and the tested novel biomarkers have insufficient diagnostic accuracy for diagnosing or excluding NAFLD.