What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Sugar Cravings and Lipids: 8/10 evidence, 25 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Higher Sugar Cravings and Elevated Triglycerides
Carrying two copies of the A allele is linked to a stronger preference for sweet foods and candy. It is also associated with higher circulating triglyceride levels and a tendency toward higher carbohydrate and alcohol intake.
What this genotype means: Stronger preference for sweet foods and candy; Higher circulating triglyceride levels; Slightly higher tendency for alcohol consumption.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/G
Moderate Sugar Cravings and Typical Lipid Levels
Carrying one copy of the A allele is associated with a moderate preference for sweet foods. Lipid levels and dietary habits are generally close to the population average.
What this genotype means: Moderate preference for sweet foods; Typical circulating triglyceride levels; Balanced dietary tendencies.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Lower Sugar Cravings and Favorable Lipid Levels
Carrying two copies of the G allele is linked to a lower preference for sweet foods and candy. It is also associated with healthier triglyceride levels and a lower tendency for alcohol consumption.
What this genotype means: Lower preference for sweet foods and candy; Favorable circulating triglyceride levels; Slightly better kidney function markers.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: FUT1 is primarily known for its role in synthesizing the H antigen, which is a precursor to the A and B blood group antigens and plays a role in human milk oligosaccharide composition [1]. However, the genomic region surrounding FUT1, which includes the closely linked FGF21 gene, is heavily involved in metabolic regulation and dietary preferences [2]. FGF21 encodes a hormone secreted by the liver that acts on the brain to suppress sugar and alcohol cravings [2]. Variations in this genetic locus can alter the expression or function of these metabolic signals, directly influencing how the body responds to macronutrients [3]. Consequently, this region has been repeatedly associated with dietary habits, lipid levels, and metabolic health in large-scale genetic studies [4].
Variant Impact: The rs838133 variant is a genetic change located in the FUT1 gene region, which is in close proximity to the FGF21 gene [2]. This variant is strongly linked to variations in dietary intake, particularly carbohydrate and sugar consumption [3]. The A allele of this variant is associated with a reduced sensitivity to the liver-to-brain feedback loop that normally curbs sweet cravings [5]. As a result, individuals carrying the A allele tend to consume more sweet foods and carbohydrates [3]. Additionally, this genetic variation influences circulating lipid levels, particularly triglycerides, and is associated with differences in alcohol consumption [6] [7].
Key Insight: A genetic variation in this region can make sweet cravings feel physically stronger by weakening the liver-to-brain signal that normally tells you when you have had enough sugar.
Location: FUT1. Chromosome 19 · 19q13.33 · 48.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 13.7%; European 18.6%; African 9.0%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 5.0%; Americas 9.7%; Ashkenazi 20.3%; Finnish 14.1%; Middle Eastern 22.6%; Amish 10.6%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Global 44.2%; European 49.1%; African 42.0%; East Asian 1.2%; South Asian 34.7%; Americas 42.9%; Ashkenazi 49.5%; Finnish 46.9%; Middle Eastern 49.9%; Amish 43.9%.
Estimated AG genotype frequency.
Global 42.1%; European 32.3%; African 49.0%; East Asian 98.8%; South Asian 60.4%; Americas 47.4%; Ashkenazi 30.2%; Finnish 39.0%; Middle Eastern 27.5%; Amish 45.4%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Neurology & Mental Health
Behavioral & Personality Traits
Sweet Food Cravings. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32393786. Higher Preference.
Addiction & Reward
Alcohol Consumption. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36477530. Higher Consumption.
Cardiovascular & Metabolic
Lipids & Cholesterol
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Higher Levels.
Nutrition & Metabolism
Macronutrient Metabolism
Carbohydrate Intake. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32393786. Higher Intake.
Organ Systems
Kidney Function & Disease
Kidney Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39256582. Typical Function.
Showing effects for A/G genotype
Sweet Food Cravings. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32393786. Moderate Preference.
Alcohol Consumption. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36477530. Typical Consumption.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Typical Levels.
Carbohydrate Intake. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32393786. Typical Intake.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Sweet Food Cravings. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32393786. Lower Preference.
Alcohol Consumption. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 36477530. Lower Consumption.
Triglycerides. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 30275531. Lower Levels.
Carbohydrate Intake. Evidence: 8/10. Source: PMID 32393786. Lower Intake.
Kidney Function. Evidence: 6/10. Source: PMID 39256582. Slightly Better.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Individuals with the A/A genotype often experience more intense sweet cravings due to altered signaling in the liver-to-brain pathway that regulates appetite for sugar [1]. This genetic tendency frequently translates to a higher intake of sugary foods, candy, and overall carbohydrates [2]. Large-scale genomic studies have consistently linked this genotype to elevated blood triglyceride levels [3]. There is also an observed association with slightly higher alcohol consumption [4]. Interestingly, despite the increased sugar intake, some studies suggest that carriers of this variant do not necessarily have a higher body mass index, possibly because they naturally substitute protein and fat with carbohydrates [5]. However, managing dietary sugar remains important for maintaining optimal cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Stronger preference for sweet foods and candy; Higher circulating triglyceride levels; Slightly higher tendency for alcohol consumption.
Sample genotype: AG (Heterozygous)
People with the A/G genotype represent an intermediate state, carrying one copy of the allele linked to sweet cravings and one copy linked to lower sugar preference [1]. This typically results in a moderate sweet tooth, with slightly higher odds of preferring candy compared to those with the G/G genotype [2]. Circulating triglyceride levels and overall carbohydrate intake in this group generally align with typical population averages [3]. While there is a slight genetic nudge toward sweet preferences, daily dietary choices and lifestyle habits play a dominant role in determining metabolic outcomes [4]. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in whole foods and protein can easily manage any mild cravings [5].
Moderate preference for sweet foods; Typical circulating triglyceride levels; Balanced dietary tendencies.
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Individuals with the G/G genotype benefit from a more robust liver-to-brain feedback loop that naturally suppresses the desire for sweets after eating [1]. This genetic profile is strongly associated with lower odds of preferring candy or sweet snacks [2]. In addition to reduced sugar cravings, this genotype is linked to lower circulating triglyceride levels, which is favorable for cardiovascular health [3]. Research also indicates a lower tendency for alcohol consumption among G/G carriers [4]. Furthermore, this genotype is associated with slightly better kidney function markers, such as estimated glomerular filtration rate [5]. Overall, this genetic makeup provides a natural metabolic advantage that supports healthy dietary habits and lipid profiles.
Lower preference for sweet foods and candy; Favorable circulating triglyceride levels; Slightly better kidney function markers.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs174570 · FADS2 Gene · Chr 11 · Fatty Acid Metabolism
rs11920090 · SLC2A2 Gene · Chr 3 · Cardiovascular Risk
rs174548 · FADS1 Gene · Chr 11 · Omega Fat Conversion
Novel locus including FGF21 is associated with dietary macronutrient intake.
Genomic analysis of diet composition finds novel loci and associations with health and lifestyle.
The power of genetic diversity in genome-wide association studies of lipids.
Genetic analysis of dietary intake identifies new loci and functional links with metabolic traits.
Genetics of blood lipids among ~300,000 multi-ethnic participants of the Million Veteran Program.
Genetic diversity fuels gene discovery for tobacco and alcohol use.
Content updated August 2026.
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