# Effects of the Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) A-3826G Polymorphism on Taste Preferences in Healthy Young Japanese Adults

## TL;DR

This study found that a genetic variation in UCP1 may influence high-fat sweet food preferences differently in Japanese men and women.

## Contribution

The study reveals a sex-dependent link between the UCP1 A-3826G polymorphism and dietary fat preference.

## Key findings

- In males, AA carriers preferred high-fat over low-fat sweet foods.
- In females, AG carriers showed lower preference for high-fat sweet foods.
- The UCP1 A-3826G polymorphism may influence dietary fat preference in a sex-dependent manner.

## Abstract

Background: The UCP1 A-3826G polymorphism, located in the gene’s regulatory region, is associated with obesity and altered fat metabolism. Because UCP1 plays a central role in thermogenesis, variation in its expression may influence metabolic efficiency and dietary fat preference. Methods: We examined associations between the A-3826G polymorphism and food preferences in healthy young Japanese adults (50 males, 48 females). Preferences for high-fat and basic-taste foods were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire, with sweet foods classified as low- or high-fat. Genotypes (AA, AG, GG) were analyzed using a two-way mixed-design ANOVA to evaluate genotype × fat level interactions. Results: Preference scores for basic tastes did not differ significantly among genotypes in either sex (except for sour taste in males). In males, no significant genotype × fat level interaction was observed, although AA carriers preferred high-fat to low-fat sweet foods (p < 0.05). In females, a significant genotype × fat level interaction was detected (p < 0.01), with AG carriers showing lower preference for high-fat sweet foods. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the UCP1 A-3826G polymorphism may modulate preference for high-fat sweet foods in a sex-dependent manner, suggesting a link between thermogenic genetic variation and dietary fat preference relevant to obesity prevention.