Relationship between 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taster status, dietary intake and dental caries among young adult subjects

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: Previous studies have established an association between 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) taster and dietary intake. However, those studies mostly emphasised on macronutrients. The present study examined the dietary intake, including macro- and micronutrients, and caries experience among university students according to their PROP taster status. Methods: A total of 158 university students participated in this study. PROP taster status was determined using filter paper method. Dietary intake was collected using 24-hour diet recall method. Oral health examination was conducted to determine dental caries experience. Results: The results showed that majority of subjects were supertasters. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in the macronutrient intakes among supertasters, medium tasters, and non-tasters. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in the intakes of micronutrients, namely pantothenic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride. There were no significant differences among group tasters in the dental caries experience scores of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth. Conclusion: In general, this study indicated that all group tasters had no difference in macronutrients intake and caries experience, but supertasters had significantly lower intakes of some micronutrients as compared to non-tasters and medium tasters. This suggested that PROP taster status could have some influence on micronutrient intakes.