Genetic Linkage to Picky Eating

 A study published by Zeynep Nas, Moritz Herle, and fellow authors revealed a high possibility of genetic linkage to food fussiness in children. Their article, "Nature and nurture in fussy eating from toddlerhood to early adolescence: findings from the Gemini twin cohort," was published on September 19, 2024, discussing the researchers' study on twin toddlers and food pickiness.

Researchers studied sets of twin children, and parents were asked to answer a series of a questions about their childrens' eating habits, home environments, and health. These survey answers were filtered by identical twins, who had identical sets of DNA, and nonidentical twins, who shared less DNA. Researchers found that identical twins had a much higher rate of trait similarity, in terms of food pickiness, compared to nonidentical twins. Thus, it was concluded that food fussiness did in fact have genetic influence, in addition to environmental influence, which were more apparent and significant later in children's lives.

Nas and Herle's publication gives us a better insight on the causes of food pickiness. It is rather unique and fascinating since it suggests a genetic cause, rather than purely environmental. Hence, this research may be important for parents and caregivers who struggle with food fussiness in children, and whom wish to learn more about the subject. As the article states, a better understanding of food pickiness being a heritable trait may help alleviate psychological distress on parents or benefit a child's well-being.

ARTICLES:

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.14053

https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/identical-twins

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/scientific-mommy/202401/the-emotional-strain-of-picky-eating