Taste is a hereditary trait and affects eating and dietary behavior. Nearly 70% of the population is sensitive for 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) which is typified as moderately-to-extremely bitter by this population group. It has been hypothesized that PROP-tasters are more sensitive to other bitter tastes, sweet taste and the texture of fats. Recently we could show that food preferences in healthy adolescents are associated with the number of the tongue’s taste papillae and the sensitivity for PROP. The impact of PROP status in eating disorders is unknown.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the food consumption in PROP-tasters and nontasters of remitted female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).

20 remitted female patients with AN were included and tested for PROP-sensitivity. 10 patients were PROP-nontaster (aged 22,9±3,0 yrs., BMI 20,5±2,0kg/m2, remission period 6,7±2,9 yrs.) and 10 patients with AN were PROP-taster (24,9±2,9 yrs., BMI 22,3±3,5kg/m2, remission period 5,3±2,2 yrs.). Taste perception was evaluated using taste strips (sweet, sour, salty, bitter). Food practice and choice were assessed by self-report. Several blood parameters including hormones and leptin were analyzed. For psychological evaluation SIAB-S, EDI-2 and ASR were used.

Remitted PROP-taster with AN consume significantly more often ice cream, dumpling, lemonade, potato chips, candies and sweets.

We hypothesize that PROP status may influence eating behaviour in eating disorders. The sensitivity for PROP possibly improves the course of AN.