Chocoholism - Genetic Variation Predetermines The Love Of Chocolate
Author: Maryam Ayres
Time for reading: ~2
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
A shared variation in a gene encoding oxytocin receptor production in the brain has been found among chocolate lovers.
What do french fries and chocolate have in common? They are tasty and harmful, especially if consumed often. This fact is known, but almost everyone ignores it, sometimes it is simply impossible to resist. A Spanish study reveals how the reason for this strange eating behavior in humans actually lies in the DNA - the carrier of the genetic "program".
Sylvia Berziano and colleagues from the Spanish Universidad Autonoma de Madrid also found some genetic structures and variants in different people that play a strong role in taste preferences and eating habits.
The study included DNA analyzes of 818 people in which certain genetic loci were selected - the position of certain genes on the chromosome . A chromosome is a DNA molecule that carries all or part of all the body's genetic material. Each chromosome carries many genes - human haploid chromosomes contain about 19-20,000 instructions for the production of certain proteins.
Based on previous research, single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified in a total of 38 loci, which are associated with the coding of behavioral and psychological traits - stress, addiction, depression, impulsivity, the search for new sensations, eating habits and more. The collected information was analyzed using Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 .
This was followed by a detailed collection of data on eating habits and health of the participants.
In the process of data analysis, clear and strong relationships were found : the CREB1 and GABRA2 genes were associated with increased salt intake , SLC6A2 was more active in people consuming more total fat and monounsaturated fatty acids , and people consuming most chocolate , shared a common variation of the OXTR gene in the third chromosome pair. This gene encodes a protein that functions as a receptor for the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin - one of the main factors in brain neurochemistry, on whose function a number of behavioral and physiological manifestations depend.
The genes that are responsible for the production of every single protein and every single cell in the human body have a strong influence on a person's behavior and psychological state. Spanish scientists claim that their data demonstrate the influence of certain genes on food choice and control of eating habits.
The scientists hope that their findings will lead to personalization of nutrition and maintenance of proper eating habits, tailored to the individual needs of each person. Many cardiovascular diseases and other chronic and metabolic disorders associated with obesity can be prevented through proper nutrition.
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