[10] Selective eating in children is a common concern for parents, as it may lead to nutritional inadequacies and mealtime struggles.
Nature typically refers to genetic predispositions, which play a significant role in the development of selective eating behaviors.
The ability to taste certain bitter thiourea compounds, such as 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) and phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), is genetically determined.
PROP tasters tend to have more food dislikes due to heightened sensitivity to bitter compounds.
A study conducted on over 5000 twin pairs and their parents found a neophobia heritability estimate of 0.78, although about 25% of phenotypic variation was accounted for by environmental factors.
The impact of early experiences with flavor, both in utero and via breastfeeding, plays a crucial role in shaping food preferences later in life.
Cole et al’s (2017) systematic review cites several studies indicating that negative, non-responsive feeding styles are positively associated with selective eating.
Across these studies, high warmth authoritative parenting was reported as being the most beneficial for implementing healthy eating habits.
Research indicates that children who are sensitive to sensory stimuli may be less likely to model their parents' fruit and vegetable consumption, highlighting the bidirectional nature of picky eating.
Further research is needed to fully understand the intricate interactions between these factors and their relation to selective eating.
[19] Studies have shown mixed findings regarding the relationship between selective eating and being at risk of being underweight or overweight.
A 1997 study of a group of selective eaters (aged 4–14) found that "a significant minority has poor growth or weight gain.
[7] This includes both internalizing (e.g., anxiety, depression) and externalizing (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) psychopathology.
The extent of social avoidance varies but one case study of a 9-year-old boy identifies the impact of selective eating specifically.
Considering the complex etiology of selective eating, assessment (and later treatment) ideally should be carried out by an interdisciplinary team of professionals.
[2] When investigating selective eating in children, parental report tends to be the most common tool of measurement.