Ferraris, CelesteTurner, AlexandriaScarlett, Christopher J.Veysey, MartinLucock, MarkBucher, TamaraBeckett, Emma L.2026-01-012026-01-01Bibtex:ferraris2021sourelderlyORCID:/0000-0002-8652-0036/work/188304001https://hdl.handle.net/1885/733800170Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in taste receptors influence dietary choices that contribute to health and quality of life. Individual differences in sour taste perception and preference have been linked to heritable genetics, yet the impact of sour taste receptor SNPs on sour taste is under-researched, and studies on sour taste SNP associations to diet and health are lacking. Therefore, this study explored the relationships between the sour taste SNP KCNJ2-rs236514 and estimated macronutrient, vitamin and mineral intakes, and markers of metabolic health. Associations were explored in 523 participants aged 65 years and older with data analysed using standard least squares and nominal logistic regression modelling with post hoc student's t-tests and Tukey's HSD. Associations were found between the presence of the KCNJ2-rs236514 variant allele (A) and lower intakes of energy, total fat, monounsaturated fat and saturated fat. The lower fat intakes were significant in female carriers of the variant allele (A), along with lower water intake. Lower retinol, riboflavin, folate, calcium and sodium intakes were found in the KCNJ2-A allele carriers. In females, the variant allele was associated with lower sodium intake before and after Bonferroni adjustment. Higher body mass index, waist and waist-to-hip ratio measures were found in males carrying the variant allele. Lower levels of liver function biomarkers were associated with the presence of the KCNJ2-A allele. Overall and in males, the variant's association to lower gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels remained significant after Bonferroni adjustments. These novel findings suggest the sour taste SNP, KCNJ2-rs236514, may be modifying macronutrient, vitamin and mineral intakes, and markers of metabolic health. Research on the extra-oral functions of this SNP may improve health outcomes for those with overweight, obesity and liver disease.This research was conducted as part of the Retirement Health and Lifestyle Study, with initial and ongoing funding provided by the Australian Research Council (G0188386), Central Coast Local Health District Public Health Unit (G0190658/G1700259), UnitingCare Ageing NSW/ACT (G0189230), Urbis Pty Ltd. (G0189232), Valhalla Village Pty Ltd. (G1000936), and Hunter Valley Research Foundation. These funders were not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication13en© 2021 The Author(s)sourtastegeneticsKCNJ2macronutrientvitaminmineralmetabolic2021-08-1710.3389/fnut.2021.70158885114417368