Picky Eating in Children: More Than Just a Fussy Phase?

Children only eat pasta with tomato sauce?

Don't worry, this behavior is well-known to many parents! Selective eating behavior is absolutely common in the early years and often disappears on its own. But wait: an exciting current study from Norway shows that persistent "Picky Eating" might be a bigger piece of the puzzle than previously thought. The focus is on ARFI (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake)—meaning avoidant or restrictive eating behavior.

More Than Just a Phase: What's Behind the Eating Behavior?

The researchers wanted to know how widespread these eating patterns are and whether they are related to other developmental characteristics. They examined over 35,000 children and asked the mothers about their eating habits at ages three and eight. The result was surprising: About a third of the children studied showed signs of ARFI. And about six percent even had a clinical form, which resulted in nutrient deficiencies or being underweight. This shows that ARFI is not a rare phenomenon.

The Long-Term Consequences: What the Study Found

If the restricted eating behavior persisted over the years—the researchers called this "persistent ARFI"—these children often showed significant differences. This frequently included speech delays, motor difficulties, or social insecurities. Emotional instability and increased sensory sensitivity were also observed. Particularly relevant: Diagnoses like Autism or ADHD occurred about twice as often in these children. This makes it clear: ARFI is often part of a complex developmental profile.

The Genes Have a Say

What makes the matter even more interesting is the genetic aspect. The scientists found that 8 to 16 percent of the risk for ARFI can be explained by genetic factors. A gene called ADCY3 came into focus. It is known to play a role in appetite regulation. For parents, this is an important insight: Picky eating is not always just a matter of parenting. Biological and developmental aspects play a central role. It is crucial to observe whether the eating challenge is only temporary or if it persists and affects other areas of the affected children's lives.