Genetic And Environmental Influences On Children Food Preferences

Question 1

Why is targeting food preferences important?

Answer 1

We can influence food preference more than food intake

In adults, increased preference for high fat/sugar foods leads to a higher BMI (this association is less clear in children)

Question 2

Methods of measuring food preference

Answer 2

• Laboratory: pick preferred foods. Although may not be representative, can be expensive, smaller sample sizes
• psychometric questionnaire: likert scale for preference. Can target larger samples, cheaper and may be more indicative of traits. However, people may be more inclined to lie to appear more virtuous

Question 3

Patterns of food preferences

Answer 3

• at 15 months a child does show a preference towards more energy dense foods, but at 3 years this effect is even more pronounced
• 5-15 year olds only 17% of girls and 15% of boys eat their 5 a day
• sugar intakes in teens are almost triple the <4% kcal benchmark
• saturated fat around 11-15% too which exceeds <11% benchmark

Question 4

Determinants of food preference: genetics

Answer 4

• innate preference helps in ensuring adequate intake and avoiding toxins
• some people are naturally super-tasters and have more tastebuds therefore may be more adverse to bitter flavours
• GWAS suggest there are groups of 15 genes which contribute to preference but not for single olfactory receptors= more complex
• quantitative genetic studies in twins (GEMINI) suggest genetics contribute 50-80% of food preference. Twins share genetics and environment, but individual differences can arise from non-shared environment (such as friendship groups)

Question 5

Determinants of food preference: environment

Answer 5

• begins in utero in the sampling of amniotic fluid, and continued from breast milk
• availability and accessibility of healthy foods also has a big impact on preference
• modelling behaviour from parents, friends and teachers
• TV adverts: 4.4 min exposure leads to 60 kcal increased intake
• exposure: needs to be more than 10 times for familiarity and preference
• reward foods: increases preference for reward. Recommend non-food rewards for fussy eaters