Genetic Variation in CD36 Is Associated with Decreased Fat and Sugar Intake in Obese Children and Adolescents

Taste is recognized as an important predictor of food choices. Thus, polymorphisms in genes encoding taste receptors may explain the variability in food preference and intake. Here, we aimed to determine whether genetic variation in the CD36 gene affects food intake and risk of obesity.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with obese Brazilian children and adolescents (n = 466; BMI-for-age z-score [zBMI] 3.29 ± 0.61) and normal-weight children (n = 114; zBMI -0.11 ± 0.7). To assess the obesity risk according to genotypes, a logistic regression adjusted for age and gender was performed. Two 24-h food recalls assessed total energy (kcal/day) and macronutrient (% kcal and g/day) intake, consumption of sweet and fatty tasting foods (portion and g/day), as well as the most commonly consumed foods (mL or g/day). The food portion sizes were measured according to Brazilian guidelines. The genetic variant rs1761667 (A/G) in CD36 was genotyped by real-time PCR.

We found no relationship between rs1761667 genotypes and obesity risk. A significant genetic association between CD36 genotype and fat intake was observed for the A allele of rs1761667, which was associated with a decreased intake of total fat (g/day) (p = 0.01), polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (% kcal and g/day), total sugars (g/day) (p = 0.01), fatty foods (portion and g/day) (p < 0.001 for both), and vegetable oils (mL/day) (p = 0.02) only in obese subjects. No differences were found between normal-weight children.

The A allele of the rs1761667 single nucleotide polymorphism in CD36 is associated with decreased fat and sugar intake in obese children and adolescents.