Children's food preferences and genetic sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP)
Article Abstract:
Children's appetites and patterns of food preference change greatly while they are toddlers. They have been observed to increasingly prefer fruits, sweets, and starches over vegetables and dairy products as they reach three years of age. This may be related to perceptions of bitterness and sweetness. People inherit a gene which determines their ability to taste bitter substances. The chemical compound 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is an odorless and harmless substance with a distinctly bitter taste to some people and not to others, with the difference apparently due to genetic differences. Sensitivity to PROP has been related to adults' perception of bitterness in caffeine, salt substitute, and cheeses, and dislikes of certain vegetables and dairy products. The relationship between PROP taste sensitivity and food preferences in children has not been similarly studied. Food preferences and the ability to taste PROP were evaluated in 30 of 34 kindergarten and first-grade children (17 female). The ability to taste PROP was significantly related to food preference. Those who could taste PROP tended to choose milk sooner and cheese later than nontasters when picking foods in order of choice. Results of a food questionnaire, although not significant, supported the idea that nontasters liked more foods. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9165
Year: 1991
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Widespread growth retardation and variable growth recovery in foster children in the first year after initial placement
Article Abstract:
Children placed in foster care are often short for their age, but many catch up with height expectations in the first year after foster placement. Growth retardation may result from nutritional, psychosocial, or other factors in the home that may contribute to the need for foster placement. Researchers examined 45 children in foster care. At initial examination, the children were underheight and underweight, but 47% grew rapidly while in foster care. Eighteen percent of foster children remained underheight after one year. The reasons for these growth deficits and recoveries are not clear.
Publication Name: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1072-4710
Year: 1997
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