Using data from the UK Biobank, this study found that people who prefer sweet foods are at higher risk of depression, diabetes, and vascular problems such as stroke. The group that consumed more sugar had lower blood markers for inflammation and glucose levels, indicating higher risks for metabolic and mental health conditions. On the other hand, the group that consumed less sugar showed lower risks for heart disease and stroke. These findings highlight the impact of food preferences on long-term health.
A person’s food preferences, or the types of foods they prefer to eat, can directly influence their eating patterns and, in turn, affect their health. This means that the foods we like to eat can increase or decrease the risk of developing certain diseases later in life.
In one study, published by researchers from the University of Surrey in the Journal of Translational Medicine, they used data from more than 180,000 participants in the UK Biobank, who completed a questionnaire about their food preferences (called the FPQ, or Food Preference Questionnaire).
Using a technique called Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), the researchers were able to identify three main profiles of eating habits among these people. They then compared the health of these groups by measuring factors in the blood (such as metabolites and proteins) and associated diseases.
Proteins are the workhorses of the body, doing everything from fighting infections to muscle contractions and thinking. Metabolites are small molecules produced during digestion and other chemical processes in the body, and they can tell us a lot about how well our bodies are functioning. By comparing these proteins and blood-based metabolites, the researchers were able to get a clearer picture of the biological differences between the groups.
Schematic methodological approach. The figure illustrates the step-by-step process used in the study to identify food preference patterns and their biomarkers.
Three main dietary profiles were identified:
Health-conscious group: These individuals tend to avoid meat and sweets, and prefer fruits and vegetables.
Omnivore group: These individuals enjoy a wide variety of foods, including meat, vegetables, fruits, and sweets.
Sweet-tooth group: This group has a strong preference for sweets and sugary drinks.
The Figure shows how the groups were separated for the study.
The results showed that the health-conscious group had a lower risk of serious diseases, such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Compared to the other two groups, these people had fewer cardiovascular problems, possibly due to their choice of healthier foods.
On the other hand, the sweet tooth group, which consumed a lot of sweets, had a 31% higher risk of depression, as well as diabetes and stroke. This group also had higher levels of inflammation in the body, which is a common indicator in people with metabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
The study also analyzed substances in the blood, called biomarkers, which can indicate a person's overall health. The health-conscious group had lower levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker linked to heart problems.
In addition, they had more ketone bodies (related to fat burning), IGFBP (proteins that control growth hormone), and lower levels of leptin (a hormone that regulates hunger). This suggests that your food choices help you better control your metabolism and inflammation levels.
On the other hand, those who consume a lot of sweets and sugary drinks are at higher risk of developing serious diseases such as diabetes, depression, and heart disease.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, on average in the UK, between 9% and 12.5% of an individual’s calories come from free sugar, which is defined as sugar added to food or drink. Biscuits, bread, cakes, pies, and fruit tarts are the biggest individual contributors for adults, but together, sugary soft drinks and alcoholic drinks contribute the most to free sugar intake.
Thus, eating patterns play a crucial role in health, and making more informed food choices may be one of the most effective ways to promote a longer, healthier life.
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Artificial intelligence driven definition of food preference endotypes in UK Biobank volunteers is associated with distinctive health outcomes and blood based metabolomic and proteomic profiles.
Navratilova, H.F., Whetton, A.D. & Geifman, N.
J Transl Med 22, 881 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-024-05663-0
Abstract:
Background
Specific food preferences can determine an individual’s dietary patterns and therefore, may be associated with certain health risks and benefits.
Methods
Using food preference questionnaire (FPQ) data from a subset comprising over 180,000 UK Biobank participants, we employed Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) approach to identify the main patterns or profiles among participants. blood biochemistry across groups/profiles was compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test. We applied the Limma algorithm for differential abundance analysis on 168 metabolites and 2923 proteins, and utilized the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to identify enriched biological processes and pathways. Relative risks (RR) were calculated for chronic diseases and mental conditions per group, adjusting for sociodemographic factors.
Results
Based on their food preferences, three profiles were termed: the putative Health-conscious group (low preference for animal-based or sweet foods, and high preference for vegetables and fruits), the Omnivore group (high preference for all foods), and the putative Sweet-tooth group (high preference for sweet foods and sweetened beverages). The Health-conscious group exhibited lower risk of heart failure (RR = 0.86, 95%CI 0.79–0.93) and chronic kidney disease (RR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.65–0.74) compared to the two other groups. The Sweet-tooth group had greater risk of depression (RR = 1.27, 95%CI 1.21–1.34), diabetes (RR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.01–1.31), and stroke (RR = 1.22, 95%CI 1.15–1.31) compared to the other two groups. Cancer (overall) relative risk showed little difference across the Health-conscious, Omnivore, and Sweet-tooth groups with RR of 0.98 (95%CI 0.96–1.01), 1.00 (95%CI 0.98–1.03), and 1.01 (95%CI 0.98–1.04), respectively. The Health-conscious group was associated with lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive Protein) which are also known to be elevated in those with common metabolic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease). Other markers modulated in the Health-conscious group, ketone bodies, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP), and Growth Hormone 1 were more abundant, while leptin was less abundant. Further, the IGFBP pathway, which influences IGF1 activity, may be significantly enhanced by dietary choices.
Conclusions
These observations align with previous findings from studies focusing on weight loss interventions, which include a reduction in leptin levels. Overall, the Health-conscious group, with preference to healthier food options, has better health outcomes, compared to Sweet-tooth and Omnivore groups.
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