ARS | Publication request: PROP sensitivity and obesity status among ethnically diverse children

Submitted to: International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 17, 2009
Publication Date: June 17, 2009
Citation: Baranowski, J., Baranowski, T., Beltran, A., Watson, K., Jago, R., Tepper, B. 2009. PROP sensitivity and obesity status among ethnically diverse children[abstract]. International Society for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, June 17-21, 2009, Lisbon, Portugal. p 399.

Technical Abstract: This study examined the relationship of sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) (chemically similar to glucosinolates, which provide the bitter taste in cruciferous vegetables) to body mass index (BMI) while statistically controlling for demographic characteristics in two age groups: 9 to 10 years and 17-18 years. A cross sectional design with a multi-ethnic (White, African American, Hispanic, and Other) sample of 813 9 to 10 year old and 738 17 to 18 year old children in the Houston, Texas. PROP taster status was determined using the paper screening test. This method used 2 paper discs, one impregnated with NaCl (1.0 mol/l) and the other with the PROP solution (0.50 mmol/l). Height, and weight measurements were taken and used to determine BMI percentile and z score. A significant PROP sensitivity by SES interaction term was detected wherein super tasters had the largest BMI percentile and z score, only among the highest SES group. This suggests other factors overwhelmed the influence of PROP sensitivity on adiposity in lower SES groups. The percentage of variance accounted for by the interaction term was about 1%. PROP sensitivity has been related to obesity in several small samples of mostly higher socio-economic status (SES) children, but without controlling for possibly confounding factors. PROP sensitivity does not appear to be a major contributor to adiposity among ethnic children varying in SES.