Genes may make kids picky eaters.

• Position: Nutrition - Brief article

Parents may plead, cajole, or entice their children to try new foods, but some kids simply refuse to budge. Research appearing in Obesity by nutritionist Myles Faith reveals that the reason these youngsters fear new foods has less to do with what is on their plate and more to do with their genes. The work adds to the growing body of knowledge that genes play a significant role in children's eating behavior.

"In some respects, food neophobia, or the aversion to trying new foods, is similar to child temperament or personality. Some children are more genetically susceptible than others to avoid new foods. However, that does not mean that they can't change their behaviors and become a little less picky."

The study looked at twins between ages four and seven years old, and found that genes explain 72% of the variation among children in the tendency to avoid new foods, while the rest was influenced by...