What are the top causes of fussy eating in children?

1. Iron Deficiency

Iron is essential to children’s growth and the best foods include animal sources, especially red meat, seafood and eggs as well as plant sources, especially dark green leafy vegetables.

As some children are eating very little of these foods, they may be at risk of low iron levels. Indeed, iron deficiency is relatively common among children, particularly so among those with limited diets. Signs of iron deficiency include recurrent infections and poor appetite.  

2. Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is an essential nutrient for growing children and is found in a variety of foods such as red meat, seafood, dried beans, as well as whole-grain breads and cereals.

As some children are eating very little of these foods, they may also be at risk of low zinc levels. Just like iron, low zinc levels can be quite common in children, resulting in a loss of appetite, as well as a reduced sense of taste and smell.  

3. Constipation

Constipation is unfortunately a common problem for many children, especially fussy eaters. Eating lots of foods with low fibre including white bread products and little fruit and /or vegetable may contribute to constipation.

What are signs of constipation?

Having less frequent bowel motions (for some this is fewer than 3 bowel movements a week)

Having bowel movements that are difficult or painful  or sometimes passing hard stools.

Constipation can also result in poor appetite, as there is less space for more food.

1. Tiredness

Children are especially likely to be more irritable or emotional if they have not had enough good quality sleep. Insufficient sleep may therefore result in less interest in eating and lack of focus at meals. One of the reasons evening meals are often more challenging  is children’s increased tiredness.

2. Filling up elsewhere

Many of us forget just how small children’s tummies are, which is usually about the size of their fist. Consuming lots of liquids around meal times, in particular juice and milk can easily fill up tummies. Likewise, children can easily and quickly fill up on sweets and treats, or even lots of fruit, especially around meal times. This leaves little room for other foods.

3. Lots of snacking

This is often one of the most common reasons why children have poor appetites. This involves eating small amounts very regularly; often these are mostly snack or finger foods for example, crackers, cheese and fruit. This may mean they are less likely to eat at mealtimes.

Ways to help fussy eaters include.

1: Multivitamins

In the short-term at least, a multivitamin can be a useful to ensure children are getting the minimum level of the nutrients that they require to support their development.

2. More Liquids

Offering more liquids especially water and water-rich foods such as fruits may help to prevent constipation, as well as encouraging more activity.

3. Go to Bed Earlier

Making small changes to children’s sleep such as bringing bedtime 15 minutes earlier  can have significant benefits for evening mealtimes.

4. Reduce Liquids at Meal Times

Reducing the amount of liquids around meal times can ensure children are hungrier at mealtimes, as well as being mindful of the amounts of sweets and treats they consume.

5. Snack Less

Lastly, serving smaller snacks before mealtimes and having bigger gaps between snacks and mealtimes can also help ensure children are hungrier at mealtimes.

If your child’s eating is staying the same or getting worse over the last few months, despite trying different tactics, why not book a free Discovery call with me here. 

This article first appeared on www.rollercoaster.ie and picture courtesy of rollercoaster.ie