A new large study has suggested that genetic links are more responsible for fussy eating in children than parenting styles. The latest research continues the work of a previous study of toddlers by suggesting that the tendency to be discerning about food can persist into early adolescence. The UK study compared eating habits in identical and non-identical twins from 16 months to thirteen years old so as to tease out the relative influence of genes and environment on food choices. Identical twins were shown to be much more similar in the degree to which they were adventurous or fussy eaters than non-identical twins. Genetic links were considered to be the strongest factor in food preferences. Factors in the home also impacted on early preferences in toddler years.
It is important that parents understand that whilst genetics play a strong role in food preferences, increasing the range of different foods offered to children is still helpful, particularly in early childhood. This can be challenging as fussy eating can be a major source of anxiety for adult carers. The goal is to make mealtimes calm and enjoyable thus lessening any potential for meal time stress and conflict.
Although average levels of fussiness in relation to food are common in both children and adolescents, extremes of fussiness can be linked to avoidant and restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a newly-recognised eating disorder. Examples of strategies suggested to help fussy eaters include, continuing to offer a wide selection of foods; offering food that children may have initially rejected, at different times and in a calm setting. It can also be helpful to eat together with children and to refrain from telegraphing anxiety about food preferences.
The research, led by UCL, King’s College London and the University of Leeds and funded by UK mental health charity MQ Mental Health Research, tested fussy eating in mostly white, relatively wealthy British households. It is suggested that future research is needed to fully encompass different ethnic food cultures, parental feeding practices and food security which may impact on food preference
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