Health
Sweet tooth linked to genes: study
Toronto | May 15, 2008 10:45:07 AM IST
If you have a sweet tooth, the answer lies in your genes. A new Canadian study links the sweet tooth to the presence of a genetic variant of GLUT 2 (glucose transporter type 2) genes in individuals. In their study of food habits of 700 individuals, Toronto University researchers here found that those who consumed more sugary foods or beverages have a variant of GLUT 2 gene in them. As this gene regulates the entry of sugar into body cells, the researchers studied the effect of the genetic variant on food habits of these individuals who were divided into two groups. While the first group consisted of older and obese people, the second group was made up of younger and healthy people. In the case of the first group, the researchers recorded their typical three-day individual food pattern. This exercise was repeated after two weeks to ensure accuracy. In the case of the second group, they collected their individual food and beverage consumption patterns over a month-long period. After this, the researchers took blood samples from the participants to extract their DNA to know the presence of the GLUT 2 gene in them. Finally, when they compared individual food habits with his or her GLUT 2 pool, they found that those with this genetic variant consumed more sugary foods - glucose, sweets, and chocolates - and beverages regardless of their age. The study has been published in this month's issue of Physiological Genomics journal.gs/jg (275 Words)15050924NNNN (IANS)
Atwal at tied 116th in Nationwide golf Former footballer Chandan Singh Rawat passes away Kalmadi hopes for Olympic medal from Lee-Hesh George Telegraph defeat Md Sporting 3-1 in replay Rahul to attend party meetings in city VHP sees \'Jihadi\' hand in B\'lore blasts China not Pak major threat to India: VHP Punjab to provide free text books to poor SC, ST girls
| 
