Genetic Basis of Children's Picky Eating Behavior

A comprehensive study conducted in the UK found that children's picky eating tendencies are more related to their genetic predisposition than to their parents' upbringing style. This study shows that picky eating behavior is a trait that can last from a very young age to adolescence. The study focused on the eating habits of 16 children aged 3 months, 5, 7, 13 and 2 years. Some of the participants were selected as identical twins, while the others were selected as fraternal twins. The families filled out questionnaires assessing their children's eating habits.

In the study, picky eating behavior was defined as a preference for certain foods or tastes or a reluctance to try new foods. While identical twins have completely identical genetics, fraternal twins share about 50% of their genes. By comparing the eating habits of these two groups, the researchers made some important findings:

Genetic Basis of Children's Picky Eating Behavior

  • Compulsive eating tendencies have been observed to continue into adolescence, with a slight peak at age seven in children.
  • Genetic differences within the population accounted for approximately 16% of the variation in food-choosing behavior at 60 months of age.
  • Genetic influences increased as children grew, reaching 3% between the ages of 13 and 74.
  • Activities at home, such as family experimenting with meals together, have been found to be extremely important for toddlers.
  • As children get older, the effects of having different circles of friends outside the home become more apparent.

Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry "The reason why some children are so 'ruthless' in trying certain foods, or why others are more adventurous and happily join in on family meals, is due to genetic differences between children, rather than parenting styles," UCL Professor Clare Llewellyn, senior author of the study published in the journal Biology, told the BBC. "Despite being a picky eater, it is still a source of concern for families and we hope the findings will help parents overcome feelings of guilt," said lead author of the study, Dr Zeynep Nas.

Dr. Llewellyn noted that this study was not designed to develop strategies to help picky eaters, but that other research suggests certain methods are helpful. Some of the strategies that stand out include:

  • Continuing to offer a wide range of foods to children.
  • Regularly offering foods that children have previously rejected; it is recommended that this process be done in a calm environment and outside of meal times.
  • If possible, sit down with the children and eat together, taking care not to create excessive stress during this process.

While researchers highlight the fact that picky eating can be a common trait, they also warn that overeating can be a symptom of a more recently recognized eating disorder. This condition is called Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) and poses serious health risks. Families who experience this type of situation are advised to seek help from a healthcare professional.