If you think broccoli tastes unbearably bitter, your genes might be to blame—and they could be influencing your overall health, too. Scientists from the University of Queensland (UQ) have found that a gene linked to bitter taste sensitivity, called TAS2R38, is also connected to a higher risk of certain health conditions, including kidney issues and bipolar disorder.
What Is the ‘Supertaster’ Gene?
The TAS2R38 gene affects how people perceive bitter compounds found in foods like brussels sprouts, broccoli, grapefruit, and horseradish. If you have two copies of the gene, you’re likely a “supertaster”, meaning you’re highly sensitive to bitter flavors. About 70% of people carry at least one copy of this gene.
But taste preferences are only part of the story. Dr. Daniel Hwang, one of the study’s lead researchers, explains that this bitter sensitivity can actually influence broader dietary habits—and long-term health.
How Your Taste Buds Might Affect Your Body
People with the TAS2R38 gene showed several distinct patterns in their diet and health:
They tend to avoid very bitter foods like horseradish, alcohol, and grapefruit.
They enjoy mildly salty flavors, and although they’re less likely to add extra salt at the table, they may end up consuming more sodium overall—which could impact kidney function over time.
They tend to prefer foods like tea, cucumber, and melon, which are milder in flavor.
Researchers also found a link between the gene and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Another unexpected finding was that those with the gene were more likely to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, though the reasons behind this remain unclear.
The Gut Connection: One Surprising Benefit
Interestingly, the study also revealed a potential gut health benefit. People with the TAS2R38 gene had more of a type of bacteria called Parabacteroides—associated with lower gut inflammation and better digestive health.
This supports growing evidence that our taste genes can shape our gut microbiome, by influencing what we eat and how our bodies respond to food.
Why This Research Matters
While more studies are needed to fully understand the gene’s role in mental health, this research offers powerful insights into how our DNA affects our relationship with food and overall health.
It also points to the future of personalized nutrition, where your genetic makeup could help create a diet tailored to your tastes and your health needs.
“This gene likely evolved to help early humans avoid poisonous plants,” said Dr. Hwang. “But today, it may be quietly shaping our health in surprising ways.”
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