Are Parents To Blame For Picky Eaters? It's The Genes, Study Shows

A new study reveals that the cause of picky eating in children might not be ultimately rooted in parenting styles or what parents prepared for dinner, but rather ingrained in their children's DNA; challenging the long-standing belief that parental influence is the primary driver of such behavior.

“Food fussiness describes the tendency to eat a small range of foods, due to pickiness and/or reluctance to try new foods. A common behaviour during childhood, and a considerable cause of caregiver concern; its causes are poorly understood,” explained by a recent study in fussy eating, which was published September of this year.

'This finding may help to alleviate parental blame and explain why siblings raised in the same environment often express very different selective eating behaviours.'

- New study on fussy eating reveals

Researchers found that children’s picky eating is more likely linked to genetic and personality factors rather than to how parents feed their children. This study, published in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, examined how certain inborn traits could predispose children to be more selective about what they eat.

The study was conducted with twins and this is the first twin study of genetic and environmental contributions to the developmental trajectory of food fussiness from toddlerhood to early adolescence.

Key findings of the study

Parents or caregivers aren’t fully to blame

The study notes, “Children's fussy eating is a major cause of concern for caregivers, who often blame themselves, or are blamed by others, for their child's restricted diets or food rejection. This study indicates that FF (food fussiness) is under strong genetic influence, which can remain influential throughout childhood. This finding may help to alleviate parental blame and explain why siblings raised in the same environment often express very different selective eating behaviours.”

Environment only impacts toddlerhood phase

According to the study, “the shared environment was only found to significantly impact individual differences in fussy eating behaviour in toddlerhood, indicating environmental or family-based interventions targeting children's fussy eating behaviours (such as repeated exposure and increasing the variety of fruits and vegetables offered in the home), may be most effective in the very early years.”

However, the study tells us that ‘interventions targeting food fussiness should start as early as toddlerhood’ and may need to be tailored and intensive at different developmental time points.

Fussy eating may not present itself as just a ‘phase’

“Fussy eating behaviours are not necessarily just a ‘phase’, but potentially follow a persistent trajectory. These findings suggest that toddlers who present with higher food fussiness are also more likely to experience greater increases in food fussiness as they mature,” the study reveals.

Now, what?

Dr. Clare Llewellyn, a senior author of the said study, noted that although the study wasn’t focused on specific strategies for managing fussy eaters, other research suggests some helpful approaches, such as:

• Consistently offering a wide range of foods (such as repeatedly exposing children to the same foods regularly and offering a variety of fruits and vegetables in the very early years)
• Reintroducing foods that children previously rejected, in a calm setting, and not necessarily during mealtimes.
• Sitting down to eat with children when possible and trying to remain relaxed during meals.

"Children with ARFID are extremely selective eaters and sometimes have little interest in eating food. They may eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition." - Kids Health

Meanwhile, researchers note that while fussy eating is fairly common, extreme selective eating can be a significant symptom of ARFID, a relatively newly recognized eating disorder.

What is ARFID?

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a fairly new eating disorder. "Children with ARFID are extremely selective eaters and sometimes have little interest in eating food. They may eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition," Kids Health explains.

People with ARFID may lose interest in eating, fear consequences like choking or vomiting, or avoid foods based on their color, taste, texture, or smell. ARFID can negatively impact nutritional intake and overall health, potentially leading to serious complications if untreated.

ARFID differs from picky eating. While picky eaters may avoid certain foods, this usually doesn’t affect their appetite, growth, or development and often improves over time. In contrast, ARFID affects appetite and nutrition and requires treatment to resolve. According to Cleveland Clinic, below are the signs and symptoms of ARFID:

• Significant weight loss
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain, stomach cramps, or upset stomach
• Low body temperature
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Fainting or dizziness
• Fine body hair (lanugo)
• Muscle weakness

Behavioral signs include:

• Feeling full quickly or lacking appetite
• Difficulty focusing or paying attention
• Limiting food intake
• Eating only foods with specific textures
• Fear of consequences after eating, such as vomiting or choking
• Worsening picky eating that severely restricts food options

How is ARFID diagnosed?

According to Kids Health, if a doctor thinks a child might have ARFID, they'll run tests and examine the child's medical history, eating and exercise habits, and emotional issues.

Doctors will potentially look for:

• significant weight loss or failure to grow
• serious nutritional deficiencies
• poor appetite, lack of interest in food, or food avoidance

Symptoms should not be because of a lack of access to food, another eating disorder (anorexia), or other medical problems. Kids with ARFID are also not concerned about or afraid of their weight. Doctors may order blood tests, urine tests, or an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for problems.

If you think your child may have ARFID, it is always best to talk to your doctor who deal with pediatrics or family medicine. Dealing with the condition early on is the best way to successfully treat it.

Be kind to yourself, dear parent

The findings offer some reassurance to parents who may have previously felt judged for their child’s selective eating habits. This shift in understanding offers parents some relief, encouraging a more compassionate and patient approach to their child’s selective eating behaviors.

The study suggests that rather than blaming ourselves or our ways to parent, parents can now focus on creating a low-pressure, supportive environment where the child can explore food at their own pace. And when all else fails, a medical practitioner may provide help and sound judgment.

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