Fear of new foods in the genes?

Neophobia, or the fear of new foods, is thought to have evolved in humans (and some animals) as a protective mechanism, reducing the possibility of poisoning from unfamiliar and toxic foods.

Neophobia can, however, present challenges; in particular to parents trying to introduce new foods and greater variety into their children’s diets.

While we have a natural tendency to accept sweet and fatty foods, vegetables and fruits, which are so good for us, are not as readily accepted.

But those fussy eaters may now be blaming their parents!

Researchers in the UK wanting to understand the relative influence of genetics versus environment on children’s food neophobia studied the food habits of 5,390 pairs of identical and non-identical twins aged 8-11 years.

They concluded that over three-quarters of neophobic behaviour could be accounted for by genetic makeup, with the remainder a result of environmental differences.

Parents can take some reassurance from these results: their child’s reluctance to try new foods is not a result of any poor parenting practices but significantly influenced by genes.

And despite this, there is plenty of research to show aversion can be overcome with repeated exposures to a new food: the process just may be a little more challenging and slower with some children.

Source: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, August 2007