Abstract
ObjectiveTo explore the associations between picky eating behaviour and pre-schoolers’ growth and development. Corresponding potential mechanisms, such as nutrient and food subgroup intake, as well as micronutrients in the blood, will be considered.MethodsPicky eating behaviour was present if it was reported by parents. From various areas of China, 937 healthy children of 3-7 years old were recruited using a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method. Children and their mothers’ socio-demographic information and children’s anthropometry, intelligence, blood samples, one 24-hour dietary intake record and food frequency questionnaire were collected. Z-scores and intelligence tests were used to evaluate growth and development (cognitive development). Multilevel models were employed to verify the associations between picky eating behaviour and growth and development.ResultsThe prevalence of picky eating as reported by parents was 54% in pre-schoolers. Compared with the non-picky eaters, weight for age in picky eaters was 0.14 z-score (95% CI: -0.25, -0.02; p = 0.017) lower while no significant difference was found in intelligence (p > 0.05). Picky eating behaviour lasting over two years was associated with lower weight for age, as was nit-picking meat (the prevalence from parents’ perception was 23% in picky eaters) (p < 0.05). Picky eaters consumed fewer cereals, vegetables, and fish (p < 0.05), and had a lower dietary intake of protein, dietary fibre, iron, and zinc (p < 0.05). There were no differences in the concentrations of essential minerals in whole blood (p > 0.05).ConclusionsPicky eating behaviour is reported by parents in half of the Chinese pre-schoolers, which is negatively associated with growth (weight for age). Lower protein and dietary fibre as well as lower iron and zinc intakes were associated with picky eating as were lower intakes of vegetables, fish and cereals.
Highlights
During the time of scarcity in China, social resources and family life were devoted to farming, securing, procuring and preparing food, which was limited in variety, had poor palatability, and low contents of energy and nutrients
Compared with the non-picky eaters, weight for age in picky eaters was 0.14 z-score lower while no significant difference was found in intelligence (p > 0.05)
Picky eating behaviour lasting over two years was associated with lower weight for age, as was nit-picking meat (p < 0.05)
Summary
During the time of scarcity in China, social resources and family life were devoted to farming, securing, procuring and preparing food, which was limited in variety, had poor palatability, and low contents of energy and nutrients. Picky eating results in limited and imbalanced composition of the diet and lower diversity of food intake [3,4,5,6,7]. In children [8,9,10] with a lower intake of vegetables and fruit, and a higher consumption of unhealthy processed foods, picky eating behaviour may be of considerable concern to parents. This behaviour forms a common complaint at physician visits and creates conflicts in feeding practice [7]
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