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Chen X, Lin L, Xia H, Zhao S. Autistic Traits and Eating Behaviors in Chinese Preschoolers: Role of Sensory Profiles and Home Environment. Appetite 2024:107406. [PMID: 38735308 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to 1) explore the association between autistic traits and eating behaviors in Chinese preschoolers; 2) explore the mediating role of sensory processing patterns on the relation of autistic traits and eating-related behaviors; and 3) examine home nurturing environment as a moderator between autistic traits and eating-related behaviors. We hypothesize that there is a significant association between autistic traits and eating behaviors, which is mediated by sensory processing patterns and moderated by the home nurturing environment. METHOD 509 children aged 3-4 years participated in this cross-sectional research. They were assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2) for autistic traits, the Chinese Preschoolers' Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CPEBQ) for eating-related behaviors, the Short Sensory Profile-Second Edition (SSP-2) for sensory processing patterns, and the Children Home Nurture Environment Questionnaire (CHNEQ) for home nurturing environment. Mediation regression analyses were used to examine the role of sensory processing patterns, while moderation analyses to examine the role of home nurturing environment. RESULTS We observed a positive association between autistic traits and eating behavior problems among typically developed children. Sensory processing patterns significantly mediated the impact of autistic traits on children's eating-related behaviors and home nurturing environment also moderated this relationship. DISCUSSION Our research suggests that Chinese preschoolers with higher autistic traits may face more eating challenges when they possess more heightened sensory processing patterns, while living in supportive home environments helps to improve their eating behaviors. These findings contribute to the understanding of how and to what extent eating problems are influenced by autistic traits, and they offer insight into the alleviation of eating problems from the perspectives of sensory patterns and family nurturing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocui Chen
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
| | - Lifang Lin
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
| | - Huiyun Xia
- Shenzhen Baoan Women's and Children's Hospital, 56 Yulu Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
| | - Shuo Zhao
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
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Balcı T, Çakır Biçer N, Gazeteci Tekin H, Edem P. Evaluation of the Effect of Parenting Style and Parental Mealtime Actions on the Eating Behavior of Children with Epilepsy. Nutrients 2024; 16:1384. [PMID: 38732630 PMCID: PMC11085228 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on the interaction of parenting style, parents' mealtime behaviors, and children's eating behavior in the presence of chronic disease is limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of parenting style and parental mealtime actions on the eating behavior of children with epilepsy. METHODS Thirty-one children with epilepsy, thirty-one healthy children (aged 4-9 years), and their parents were included. The Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale (MAPS), Parent Mealtime Action Scale, Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 were applied. The MAPS, HEI-2015 scores, and body mass index for age Z scores were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). In the epilepsy group, the food approach behavior score was higher, and positive correlations were noted between broadband negative parenting and food approach behavior, and the HEI-2015 score and broadband positive parenting (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that broadband negative parenting and snack modeling increased the food approach behavior in the epilepsy group. Owing to the chronic disease, the effects of parent-child interaction on the child's eating behavior in the epilepsy group differed from those of healthy children reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tutku Balcı
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, 34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Nihan Çakır Biçer
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Içerenköy Mahallesi Kayisdagi Caddesi No. 32, 34752 Atasehir, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hande Gazeteci Tekin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Bakircay University, 35665 Menemen, Izmir, Turkey; (H.G.T.); (P.E.)
| | - Pınar Edem
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir Bakircay University, 35665 Menemen, Izmir, Turkey; (H.G.T.); (P.E.)
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Fontanezi NM, Maximino P, Machado RHV, Ferrari G, Fisberg M. Association between parental feeding styles, body mass index, and consumption of fruits, vegetables and processed foods with mothers´ perceptions of feeding difficulties in children. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:167. [PMID: 38459452 PMCID: PMC10921686 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feeding difficulties (FDs) are complex phenomena influenced by parental factors, feeding behaviour, and cultural factors. However, studies of the influences of these factors on FDs incidence are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to identify the associations between mothers' perceptions of FDs in children and parental feeding styles, body mass index, and the consumption of fruits, vegetables and processed foods. METHOD Two hundred and fifty-seven mothers of children aged 1 to 6 years and 11 months participated in this cross-sectional study and self-completed electronic questionnaires on sociographic variables, parental feeding styles, the consumption of fruits, vegetables and processed foods and FDs. Nutritional status was classified by body mass index (kg/m2). RESULTS The prevalence of FDs in children was 48.2%, and the mean age was 43.8 (± 17.6) months. The indulgent parental feeding style was the most common (40.1%), followed by the authoritative (31.1%), authoritarian (23.7%), and uninvolved (5.1%) styles. An indulgent parental feeding style (OR: 4.66; 95% CI: 2.20-9.85), a high body mass index (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.09-1.68), and the consumption of processed foods (OR: 5.21; 95% CI: 2.85-9.53) were positively associated with increased odds of the absence of FDs in children. The associations of authoritarian and uninvolved parental feeding styles and the consumption of fruits and vegetables with FDs in children were not significant. CONCLUSION This study identified multiple factors that are possibly associated with feeding behaviours in young children. However, further studies need to be undertaken to evaluate how such behaviours affect FDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Moretti Fontanezi
- Sciences Applied to Pediatrics Postgraduate Program, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 598, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Maximino
- Center for Excellence in Nutrition and Feeding Difficulties, PENSI Institute, Luis Egydio Setúbal Foundation, Sabará Children's Hospital, São Paulo. Av. Angelica 1968, conj 71a 74, São Paulo, 01239-040, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), el Deporte y la Salud, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Mauro Fisberg
- Sciences Applied to Pediatrics Postgraduate Program, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 598, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil
- Center for Excellence in Nutrition and Feeding Difficulties, PENSI Institute, Luis Egydio Setúbal Foundation, Sabará Children's Hospital, São Paulo. Av. Angelica 1968, conj 71a 74, São Paulo, 01239-040, SP, Brazil
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Taquet J, Verbeken S, Goossens L. Examining the whole plate: The role of the family context in the understanding of children's food refusal behaviors. Eat Behav 2024; 52:101828. [PMID: 38006775 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the context of understanding children's food refusal behaviors, such as food fussiness and food neophobia, research has predominantly focused on the role of parental feeding strategies. However, little is known about which general family context variables add to the understanding of children's food refusal behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between 1) parents' own use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies when they are anxious, 2) parents' reactions towards their children's emotions in stressful situations, and 3) parenting styles on the one hand, and children's food refusal behaviors on the other. METHODS Mothers and fathers (N = 157) of young children (M = 4.64, SD = 1.7) completed a series of self- and parent-report questionnaires. RESULTS The model examining the role of parenting styles was found to be significantly related to food refusal behaviors in children. More specifically, the current findings demonstrate that higher levels of a coercive parenting style were associated with higher levels of both food fussiness and food neophobia in children. Furthermore, higher levels of a chaotic parenting styles were associated with higher levels of food neophobia in children. The models examining parents' maladjusted emotion regulation strategies when anxious and parents' reactions towards their children's emotions during stressful situations were not found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS Factors related to the parenting style appear to be important for understanding food refusal behaviors in children. Replication of the findings using longitudinal and observational designs is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Taquet
- Ghent University, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Verbeken
- Ghent University, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Goossens
- Ghent University, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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van den Brand AJP, Hendriks-Hartensveld AEM, Havermans RC, Nederkoorn C. Child characteristic correlates of food rejection in preschool children: A narrative review. Appetite 2023; 190:107044. [PMID: 37717623 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Dietary habits formed in early childhood are key for establishing a healthy diet later in life. Picky eating and food neophobia - the two main forms of food rejection in young children - form an important barricade to establishing such healthy habits. Understanding these types of food rejection is thus essential for promoting healthy eating behaviour in both children and adults. To this end, the present narrative review aims to provide an overview of food rejection research in preschool-aged children, focusing on recent advances in the cognitive literature. Specifically, we evaluate the link between children's cognitive development, chemosensory perception and affective evaluation of food, food knowledge, decision-making strategies, anxiety and disgust sensitivity, and food rejection behaviour. Longitudinal and experimental studies are necessary to establish how the relationships between food rejection and cognitive processes develop over time and to determine their causal directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk J P van den Brand
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Anouk E M Hendriks-Hartensveld
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Remco C Havermans
- Laboratory of Behavioural Gastronomy, Centre for Healthy Eating and Food Innovation, Maastricht University Campus, Venlo, the Netherlands; Youth, Food, and Health, Maastricht University Campus, Venlo, the Netherlands
| | - Chantal Nederkoorn
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
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Hasbani EC, Félix PV, Sauan PK, Maximino P, Machado RHV, Ferrari G, Fisberg M. How parents' feeding styles, attitudes, and multifactorial aspects are associated with feeding difficulties in children. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:543. [PMID: 37898797 PMCID: PMC10612164 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04369-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental complaints about feeding difficulties (FD) during childhood are frequent in pediatrics. Behavioral factors about children's feeding and parental aspects are fundamental in solving these problems, but research in this area lacks information considering the joint presence of fathers and mothers. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the features of children, parents and mealtime practices related to FD reported by fathers and mothers and to identify parenting styles, mealtime actions, practices and factors associated with FD in children. METHODS 323 parents (226 mothers and 97 fathers) of children aged 1 to 7 years were recruited in the emergency waiting room at Sabará Hospital Infantil, in São Paulo, Brazil, and self-completed electronic questionnaires on parenting style (Caregiver's Feeding Styles Questionnaire), parents' mealtime actions (Parent Mealtime Action Scale), socioeconomic information, personal and children's health data and routine meal practices. RESULTS The prevalence of FD in children was 26.6%. Indulgent parenting style was the most frequent (44.2%), followed by authoritarian (25.1%), authoritative (23.8%), and uninvolved (6.9%) styles. Most parents (75.8%) reported presence during meals, and 83.6% used distractions. Regression analyses after adjustments showed, as factors associated with FD, female children (OR: 2.06; 95%CI: 1.19-3.58), parents' FD history (OR: 3.16; 95%CI: 1.77-5.64), and greater frequency of parents' behavior of offering many food options (OR: 2.69; 95%CI: 1.18-6.14). Parents with indulgent styles had decreased chances of reporting FD in their children (OR: 0.13; 95%CI: 0.06-0.27). Furthermore, the practice of children sharing the family menu (OR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.18-0.99) and higher frequency of parents' behavior of setting snack limits (OR: 0.44; 95%CI: 0.23-0.85) were inversely associated with FD. CONCLUSIONS This study reinforces the multifactorial aspects involved in the feeding difficulties context. It points out the importance of expanding knowledge of the individual role of fathers and mothers to compose a scenario that can guide future studies and interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION CAAE #99221318.1.0000.5567 with registration number 2,961,598.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Czarny Hasbani
- Sciences Applied to Pediatrics Postgraduate Program, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 598, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil.
| | - Paula Victória Félix
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, 01246-904, SP, Brazil
| | - Patricia Kawai Sauan
- Consulting and Training, Rua José Maria Lisboa, 586, São Paulo, 01423-000, SP, Brazil
| | - Priscila Maximino
- CENDA (Excellency Center for Nutrition and Feeding Difficulties), Instituto PENSI-Jose Luiz E. Setubal Foundation, Av Angelica 2071, CEP 01227-200, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Ferrari
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Mauro Fisberg
- Sciences Applied to Pediatrics Postgraduate Program, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Botucatu, 598, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil
- CENDA (Excellency Center for Nutrition and Feeding Difficulties), Instituto PENSI-Jose Luiz E. Setubal Foundation, Av Angelica 2071, CEP 01227-200, São Paulo, Brazil
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Makwana H, Vaghia KK, Solanki V, Desai V, Maheshwari R. Impact of Parenting Styles and Socioeconomic Status on the Mental Health of Children. Cureus 2023; 15:e43988. [PMID: 37746514 PMCID: PMC10516328 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship parents share with their children is unique and very important for their overall growth and development. Parenting is classified into the following four types: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. This study aimed to understand the relationship between socioeconomic status and parenting styles adopted by parents and compare various factors affecting the mental health status of children. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 students from four different schools in Valsad, Gujarat, India. The chief parenting style of both parents was determined, and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) scores were calculated for the students. Data were analyzed and various tests of significance were performed. Results There was a highly significant association between various parenting styles adopted by both parents and the PSC score of children. Interparental consistency showed a lower score on the PSC scale. There was a moderate positive correlation between an authoritarian parent and the poor mental health status of the child. As age advanced, children were seen to experience more emotional and psychological troubles. The education of the mother had a significant association with the well-being of the child. However, there was no impact of socioeconomic status on parenting style and PSC score. Conclusions Poor parenting technique contributes to various psychological problems in children with advancing age. The involvement of healthcare facilities in this field at the earliest will ensure a better environment for the child to grow and learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemal Makwana
- Psychiatry, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, IND
| | - Kiran Kumar Vaghia
- Psychiatry, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, IND
| | - Viren Solanki
- Psychiatry, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, IND
- Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Baroda, Valsad, IND
| | - Vedant Desai
- Psychiatry, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, IND
| | - Rithik Maheshwari
- Psychiatry, Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS) Medical College and Hospital, Valsad, IND
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Sherrard A, Tan CC. Coparenting: Associations with parents' psychological distress and children's food approach behavior. Appetite 2023; 187:106580. [PMID: 37120070 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Parents' psychological distress has been associated with their children's obesogenic eating yet less is known about how coparenting moderates this relationship. The aim of the current research was 1) to examine how coparenting (general and feeding) moderates the associations between parents' psychological distress and children's food approach behavior after accounting for parents' coercive control food parenting and 2) to examine whether feeding coparenting interacted with psychological distress to predict children's food approach behavior above and beyond general coparenting. Parents (n = 216; Mage = 36.28 years, SD = 6.12) of 3- to 5- year old children completed an online survey. Analyses revealed that undermining coparenting and feeding coparenting (but not supportive coparenting) moderated the association between parents' psychological distress and children's food approach behavior. Additionally, analyses revealed that feeding coparenting interacted with psychological distress to predict children's food approach behavior above and beyond general coparenting. These findings suggest that less optimal coparenting relationships, particularly feeding coparenting, may exacerbate the influence of parents' psychological distress on obesogenic eating behaviors in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelyn Sherrard
- Department of Psychology, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA.
| | - Cin Cin Tan
- Department of Psychology, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA
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Markides BR, Hesketh KD, Maddison R, Laws R, Denney-Wilson E, Campbell KJ. Fussy Eating Rescue, a mobile-web app for responsive feeding practises among parents of toddlers: protocol for a pilot randomised controlled feasibility trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:128. [PMID: 37481664 PMCID: PMC10362701 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fussy eating is most often a developmentally typical behaviour, generally presenting during toddlerhood. However, up to half of parents of young children are concerned about fussy eating, and this concern may mediate the use of nonresponsive feeding practises, such as coercive or unstructured feeding and using food to reward eating. Despite the high prevalence of parental concern for fussy eating and the negative impacts nonresponsive feeding practises have on children's health and diets, no previous digital intervention to improve the feeding practises of parents of toddlers concerned about fussy eating has been evaluated. AIM This article describes the protocol of a randomised controlled feasibility pilot aiming to evaluate Fussy Eating Rescue, a purely web app based intervention for parents of toddlers. The primary aim is to investigate feasibility and acceptability; secondary aims are to explore indications of intervention effect on parents' feeding practises or children's eating behaviours. METHODS Fussy Eating Rescue features include: (1) a Tracker, that allows parents to track repeated offers of food, (2) Topics, providing information on fussy eating, effective feeding strategies, and general nutrition, (3) Rescues, containing quick references to material supporting Topics contents, (4) Recipes, and (5) SMS notifications. Parents of toddlers (12-36 months old, n = 50) who have concerns about fussy eating will be recruited via Facebook. Parents will be randomised to an intervention group, which receives access to the app for 6 weeks, or to wait-listed control. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 6 weeks after app use, using online questionnaires and app usage statistics. Primary outcomes include participant retention rate, intervention engagement, app usability, perceived ease in using the app, perceived usefulness of the app, and user satisfaction. Secondary outcome measures include parents' feeding practises and children's eating behaviours. DISCUSSION Results will inform whether Fussy Eating Rescue is a feasible way to engage parents concerned for their toddler's fussy eating behaviours. If feasible and acceptable to users, a larger trial will further examine the efficacy of the Fussy Eating app in improving parents' feeding practises and children's eating behaviours. TRIAL REGISTRATION Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 15 July, 2021 (ACTRN12621000925842).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Reese Markides
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Kylie D Hesketh
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralph Maddison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Laws
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Denney-Wilson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Karen J Campbell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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Tan WY, Hamzaid NH, Ibrahim N. Parental Perceptions on the Importance of Nutrients for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the Coping Strategies: A Qualitative Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071608. [PMID: 37049449 PMCID: PMC10096955 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that comes with co-occurring eating behavior such as limited food varieties, selective food intake, and repetitive eating patterns, contributing to significant challenges for their parents. Many parents find mealtimes difficult and develop anxiety or stress about their child’s nutrition, health, and overall well-being. Hence, parents must equip themselves with the correct awareness and nutrition knowledge. An online open-ended semi-structured interview was conducted among fifteen parents from the community-rehabilitation program center to explore their understanding of nutrition’s importance and the possible coping strategies when facing challenges. The interview sessions were recorded, followed by three researchers’ coding processes. Data were then subjected to thematic analysis. The interview sessions suggested that the parents were aware of the autism trait eating behavior and had a general knowledge about nutrition. However, it was quite challenging when it came to preparation. Nevertheless, the parents are able to manage the challenges with unique kinds of coping strategies. In addition, a complete educational dietary intervention program including psychosocial aspects for parents is recommended for better effectiveness.
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Kamarudin MS, Shahril MR, Haron H, Kadar M, Safii NS, Hamzaid NH. Interventions for Picky Eaters among Typically Developed Children-A Scoping Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15010242. [PMID: 36615899 PMCID: PMC9824123 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Picky eating in children is often a major source of concern for many parents and caregivers. Picky eaters (PEs) consume limited foods, demonstrate food aversion, and have a limited food repertoire, which hinders their growth and health. These behaviours are common in children with special health care needs despite the rise in typically developing children. This leads to less attention being given to intervention programmes for typically developing children. Therefore, this scoping review aims to investigate the key concept of an existing intervention programme for PE among typically developing children, primarily on the types and approaches selected. A thorough literature search was conducted on three primary databases (PubMed, Emerald In-sight, and Web of Science) using predefined keywords. The literature was then appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines and protocols, and the PRISMScR checklist. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also specified in the screening procedure. Results showed that the majority of the interventions in these studies were single-component interventions, with the sensory approach being the type that was most frequently utilised, followed by the nutrition approach and parenting approach. Single and multiple intervention components improved the assessed outcome, with a note that other components may or may not show a similar outcome, as they were not assessed in the single-component intervention. Given the evidence that picky eating is influenced by various factors, a multi-component intervention can provide a substantial impact on future programmes. In addition, defining picky eaters using standardised tools is also essential for a more inclusive subject selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shah Kamarudin
- Center for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies (iCaRehab), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Razif Shahril
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Hasnah Haron
- Center for Healthy Ageing & Wellness (H-CARE), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Masne Kadar
- Center for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies (iCaRehab), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Nik Shanita Safii
- Center for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Nur Hana Hamzaid
- Center for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies (iCaRehab), Faculty of Health Sciences, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
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12
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Harmancıoğlu B, Kabaran S. Food Fussiness in Children. TOP CLIN NUTR 2023; 38:2-16. [DOI: 10.1097/tin.0000000000000301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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13
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Mudholkar A, Korostenski L, Blackwell D, Lane AE. Factors associated with the early emergence of atypical feeding behaviours in infants and young children: A scoping review. Child Care Health Dev 2023; 49:1-19. [PMID: 35301737 PMCID: PMC10084441 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical feeding behaviours such as significantly limited food preferences, hypersensitivity to food textures or temperatures and pocketing food without swallowing are common concerns in child health. Current reports indicate an inter-relationship between early growth, feeding problems and developmental disorders, yet little is known about how these behaviours develop in early childhood. There is also a lack of consensus about clinical definitions for atypical feeding behaviours, diagnostic thresholds and the associated precursors. To date, there has been no synthesis of the extant literature about factors associated with the early onset of atypical feeding behaviours in young children. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to characterize the factors associated with the early emergence of atypical feeding behaviours in typically developing young children. METHODS CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Scopus databases were searched. Studies published in the last 5 years were included if they examined factors associated with the development of atypical eating behaviours in infants and young children. Of the 2137 records obtained after the search strategy was applied, 202 full-text articles were retrieved for a more detailed examination and to ensure they met the inclusion criteria. This resulted in 54 studies being included in this scoping review. RESULTS Of the 54 studies, three studies analysed precursors responsible for atypical feeding behaviours, and 51 studies discussed the factors associated with the early emergence of feeding difficulties. Multiple factors, including genetic factors, breastfeeding, late introduction of solids and lumpy foods, complementary feeding techniques, parental mental health, prematurity and child factors including temperament, were identified. There is inconsistent evidence for the associations between breastfeeding exposure and feeding difficulties. CONCLUSIONS This study identified multiple factors potentially associated with the early onset of atypical feeding behaviours in young children; however, there is insufficient evidence at this time to support specific recommendations for early feeding practices in young children. More methodologically rigorous studies are needed to extend these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmita Mudholkar
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne.,School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
| | - Larissa Korostenski
- Department of Neonatology, John Hunter Children's Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Dianne Blackwell
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne.,School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Alison E Lane
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne
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Delahunt A, Conway MC, McDonnell C, O Reilly SL, O Keeffe LM, Kearney PM, Mehegan J, McAuliffe FM. Sleep duration and eating behaviours are associated with body composition in 5-year-old children: findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study. Br J Nutr 2022; 127:1750-60. [PMID: 34284833 DOI: 10.1017/S0007114521002725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inadequate sleep and poor eating behaviours are associated with higher risk of childhood overweight and obesity. Less is known about the influence sleep has on eating behaviours and consequently body composition. Furthermore, whether associations differ in boys and girls has not been investigated extensively. We investigate associations between sleep, eating behaviours and body composition in cross-sectional analysis of 5-year-old children. Weight, height, BMI, mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), abdominal circumference (AC) and skinfold measurements were obtained. Maternal reported information on child's eating behaviour and sleep habits were collected using validated questionnaires. Multiple linear regression examined associations between sleep, eating behaviours and body composition. Sleep duration was negatively associated with BMI, with 1-h greater sleep duration associated with 0·24 kg/m2 (B = 0·24, CI -0·42, -0·03, P = 0·026) lower BMI and 0·21 cm lower (B = -0·21, CI -0·41, -0·02, P = 0·035) MUAC. When stratified by sex, girls showed stronger inverse associations between sleep duration (h) and BMI (kg/m2) (B = -0·32; CI -0·60, -0·04, P = 0·024), MUAC (cm) (B = -0·29; CI -0·58, 0·000, P = 0·05) and AC (cm) (B = -1·10; CI -1·85, -0·21, P = 0·014) than boys. Positive associations for 'Enjoys Food' and 'Food Responsiveness' with BMI, MUAC and AC were observed in girls only. Inverse associations between sleep duration and 'Emotional Undereating' and 'Food Fussiness' were observed in both sexes, although stronger in boys. Sleep duration did not mediate the relationship between eating behaviours and BMI. Further exploration is required to understand how sleep impacts eating behaviours and consequently body composition and how sex influences this relationship.
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Markides BR, Laws R, Hesketh K, Maddison R, Denney‐Wilson E, Campbell KJ. A thematic cluster analysis of parents' online discussions about fussy eating. Maternal & Child Nutrition 2022; 18:e13316. [PMID: 35132813 PMCID: PMC8932712 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Food fussiness is associated with non‐responsive parent feeding practices, such as persuasive and instrumental feeding. Although most children described as ‘fussy eaters’ are likely exhibiting developmentally typical behaviours, up to half of the parents of children 2–5 years old express concerns. Concern for fussy eating may mediate the use of non‐responsive feeding practices and so must be addressed in parent feeding interventions. Therefore, it is critical to better understand parents' concerns and how they may relate to feeding practices. This study aimed to explore how parents' feeding practices and the social cognitive factors that may drive them clustered based on parents' concern for fussy eating. Data were collected from parent discussions of fussy eating on a Reddit forum (80,366 posts). Latent Dirichlet allocation was used to identify discussions of fussy eating. Relevant posts (1542) made by users who identified as a parent of a fussy eater (n = 630) underwent qualitative coding and thematic analysis. Five clusters of parents were identified, ranging in size from 53 to 189 users. These were primarily characterised by parents' degree of concern and feeding practices: (1) High concern, nonresponsive; (2) Concerned, nonresponsive; (3) Low concern, responsive; (4) Low concern, mixed strategies; (5) Low concern, indulgent. Parents who used responsive practices tended to be less concerned for fussy eating, have greater trust in their child's ability to self‐regulate hunger, have longer‐term feeding goals, and exhibit greater ability for personal self‐regulation. Future research should further examine how these constructs may be leveraged in parent feeding interventions. Parents using nonresponsive practices to manage fussy eating may have more concerns about fussy eating, less trust in their child's ability to self‐regulate hunger, shorter‐term feeding goals, and less developed self‐regulation skills. As most children described as “fussy eaters” are likely exhibiting developmentally typical behaviours, interventions addressing nutrition and feeding practices in early childhood should aim to alleviate parental concern for fussy eating, for example, by helping them recognise developmentally normal eating behaviours. Early childhood feeding interventions may also be enhanced by helping parents to develop long‐term feeding goals and improved self‐regulation skills in the context of their feeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany R. Markides
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Rachel Laws
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Kylie Hesketh
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Ralph Maddison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
| | - Elizabeth Denney‐Wilson
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Karen J. Campbell
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Deakin University Burwood Victoria Australia
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Chilman L, Kennedy-Behr A, Frakking T, Swanepoel L, Verdonck M. Picky Eating in Children: A Scoping Review to Examine Its Intrinsic and Extrinsic Features and How They Relate to Identification. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:9067. [PMID: 34501656 PMCID: PMC8431657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The health benefits and importance of family mealtimes have been extensively documented. Picky eating can impact this complex activity and has numerous extrinsic (or external) and intrinsic (or internal) features. Occupational therapists work with children and their families by looking at both intrinsic and extrinsic influences and are therefore well-placed to work within this context. This scoping review comprises a comprehensive search of key health industry databases using pre-determined search terms. A robust screening process took place using the authors pre-agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 80 studies that met the inclusion criteria, which were then mapped using content analysis. The most common assessments used to identify picky eating relied on parental reports and recall. Often additional assessments were included in studies to identify both the intrinsic and extrinsic features and presentation. The most common reported intrinsic features of the child who is a picky eater included increased sensitivity particularly to taste and smell and the child's personality. Extrinsic features which appear to increase the likelihood of picky eating are authoritarian parenting, rewards for eating, and pressuring the child to eat. Most commonly reported extrinsic features that decrease the likelihood of picky eating are family meals, responsive parents, and involving the child in the preparation of food. In conclusion, there is a lack of published papers addressing the role of occupational therapists in the assessment and identification of picky eating in children. There appears to be a complex interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic features which impact caregiver responses and therefore on the picky eater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laine Chilman
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Ann Kennedy-Behr
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
- School of Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Thuy Frakking
- Research Development Unit, Caboolture Hospital, Metro North Hospital & Health Service, Herston, QLD 4510, Australia;
- Centre for Clinical Research, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Libby Swanepoel
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Michele Verdonck
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4 Maroochydore, Maroochydore DC, Sunshine Coast, QLD 4558, Australia ; (A.K.-B.); (L.S.); (M.V.)
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Caldwell AR, Krause EK. Mealtime behaviours of young children with sensory food aversions: An observational study. Aust Occup Ther J 2021; 68:336-344. [PMID: 33955028 PMCID: PMC8363574 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1630.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with sensory food aversions (SFAs) are at risk for nutritional problems and occupational dysfunction during daily meals. To facilitate optimal occupational performance for children with SFAs, it is critical that clinicians understand child behaviour and caregiver strategy use to manage child behaviour during meals. The purpose of this paper is to examine the reliability of a novel coding scheme, the Behavioural Mealtime Coding System (BMCS) and identify associations among child acceptance of preferred and targeted foods, child food exploration and caregiver use of strategies to manage child behaviour. METHODS Twenty-one children (aged 18-60 months) with SFAs and their caregivers were recruited using a convenience sample. An observational video coding system was developed to code mealtime behaviour in 63 typical mealtime videos recorded by caregivers in the home environment. Inter-rater reliability, descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were calculated. RESULTS The BMCS demonstrated excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC = .95). Child bites of targeted foods were associated with mealtime duration (rs = .51, p = .02) and events of the child licking food (rs = .57, p = .007). Caregiver use of threats was positively associated with child age (rs = .48, p = .03) and negatively associated with caregiver education level (rs = -.49, p = .03). CONCLUSION For children with SFAs, increasing mealtime duration by embedding positive activities to encourage food exploration may improve acceptance of healthy targeted foods. Future research is needed to better understand the complex relationships among caregiver strategy use, mealtime duration and child mealtime behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Caldwell
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elise K Krause
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Patel MD, Donovan SM, Lee SY. Considering Nature and Nurture in the Etiology and Prevention of Picky Eating: A Narrative Review. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113409. [PMID: 33171966 PMCID: PMC7694604 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Children are often categorized as picky eaters by parents and caregivers for their rejection of foods, such as vegetables, and for exhibiting other difficult mealtime behaviors. However, there are several factors that contribute to these mealtime behaviors, including early feeding practices (i.e., breastfeeding, introduction to solid food), repeated exposure to novel foods, and genetic taste sensitivity to certain compounds. Using the online database of PubMed, a review of the literature on the development of picky eating in children, its outcomes, and intervention strategies was conducted. This review groups the developmental contributors to picky eating into the categories of nature and nurture and explores the interaction between the two. This paper will also summarize the potential outcomes of picky eating and the various strategies that are currently recommended to mitigate picky eating in young children. However, there is a lack of longitudinal work targeting consistent picky eating behaviors that have the potential to impact long-term food preferences and dietary variety. Future intervention strategies should address the factors that influence the development of picky eating on an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera D. Patel
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA;
| | - Sharon M. Donovan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA;
| | - Soo-Yeun Lee
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61820, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-217-244-9435
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Flores-Dorantes MT, Díaz-López YE, Gutiérrez-Aguilar R. Environment and Gene Association With Obesity and Their Impact on Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:863. [PMID: 32982666 PMCID: PMC7483585 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a multifactorial disease in which environmental conditions and several genes play an important role in the development of this disease. Obesity is associated with neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases) and with neurodevelopmental diseases (autism disorder, schizophrenia, and fragile X syndrome). Some of the environmental conditions that lead to obesity are physical activity, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status, parent feeding behavior, and diet. Interestingly, some of these environmental conditions are shared with neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Obesity impairs neurodevelopment abilities as memory and fine-motor skills. Moreover, maternal obesity affects the cognitive function and mental health of the offspring. The common biological mechanisms involved in obesity and neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental diseases are insulin resistance, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative damage, among others, leading to impaired brain development or cell death. Obesogenic environmental conditions are not the only factors that influence neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. In fact, several genes implicated in the leptin–melanocortin pathway (LEP, LEPR, POMC, BDNF, MC4R, PCSK1, SIM1, BDNF, TrkB, etc.) are associated with obesity and neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. Moreover, in the last decades, the discovery of new genes associated with obesity (FTO, NRXN3, NPC1, NEGR1, MTCH2, GNPDA2, among others) and with neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental diseases (APOE, CD38, SIRT1, TNFα, PAI-1, TREM2, SYT4, FMR1, TET3, among others) had opened new pathways to comprehend the common mechanisms involved in these diseases. In conclusion, the obesogenic environmental conditions, the genes, and the interaction gene–environment would lead to a better understanding of the etiology of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Flores-Dorantes
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Farmacogenómica, Centro de Investigación de Ciencia y Tecnología Aplicada de Tabasco, División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Mexico
| | - Yael Efren Díaz-López
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Metabólicas: Obesidad y Diabetes, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez," Mexico City, Mexico.,División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ruth Gutiérrez-Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Metabólicas: Obesidad y Diabetes, Hospital Infantil de México "Federico Gómez," Mexico City, Mexico.,División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City, Mexico
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