Background/Objectives: Individual differences in sweet taste sensitivity, influenced by genetic factors such as variants of the taste receptor type 1 member 2 (TAS1R2), are associated with food preferences and nutrient intake. However, the relationship between TAS1R2 polymorphisms and diet quality in Koreans remains unexplored. This study investigated the association between the TAS1R2 rs35874116 (T>C, Ile191Val) variant and diet quality, assessed using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI). Methods: Analyzing data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, we evaluated the dietary quality of 41,669 Koreans based on KHEI scores and TAS1R2 rs35874116 genotypes (TT versus CT+CC). Results: The findings indicate that genetic variation in the sweet taste receptor is linked to specific components of dietary quality. Although total KHEI scores did not differ between genotypes, TT genotype carriers had significantly higher vegetable intake scores compared to C allele carriers (3.42 ± 1.35 vs. 3.37 ± 1.36, padjusted = 0.002). Additionally, TT carriers exhibited higher sodium intake (6.85 ± 3.53 vs. 6.95 ± 3.51, padjusted = 0.002) and lower scores in the moderation domain (18.82 ± 5.15 vs. 18.98 ± 5.07, padjusted = 0.002). Conclusions: The TAS1R2 rs35874116 variant is associated with specific aspects of diet quality in Koreans, particularly vegetable and sodium intake. These findings suggest that genetic variations in sweet taste perception influence dietary behaviors among Koreans.
Kim et al. (2026) studied this question.