Kids inherit liking for meat or fish but have to learn to like veg

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A twin study shows that a fondness for roast beef or fish pie may be genetically influenced, but environment determines liking for other foods.
Our dietary tastes tend to evolve during life, but some preferences are formed when we are very young. Given current concern about childhood obesity and how it may influence health in later life, understanding where food preferences come from is important.

Researchers for the leading charity Cancer Research UK have studied over 200 pairs of same sex twins - a powerful approach in investigating the influence of genes and environment on traits. The mothers of 103 pairs of identical twins and 111 pairs on non-identical twins answered questions on their children's food preferences. Identical twins share all their genes non-identical only about half their genes. So comparisons highlight the difference between what is inherited and what is influenced by environment.

A preference for meat and fish appeared to be inherited, but there was far less genetic influence on a liking for puddings, fruit and vegetables. If a young child sees you enjoying carrots, oranges and chocolate they will probably follow suit. In other words, we can set our children - and grandchildren - a good example if we want them to grow up to include fresh fruit and veg in their diet. We can also try to put them off having too many sweet things!

Source
Journal of Physiology and Behaviour online 14th June 2006

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