Looking Beyond the Growth Curve: A Retrospective Study on Nutrient Deficient Diets in Children with Severe Food Selectivity

Abstract

Severe food selectivity places children at risk for nutrient deficiencies and long-term medical complications, if unaddressed. However, poor nutrition in highly selective eaters is often overlooked when considering other behavioral or medical concerns. Additionally, studies regarding food selectivity are sparse and limited to children with developmental delays. This study further investigates the nutritional deficiencies and growth characteristics of children with severe food selectivity to assist pediatricians in the earlier identification of patients for nutrition screening. A retrospective chart review was completed for 13 patients admitted to a pediatric feeding program solely for table-textured food selectivity. Nutrition and anthropometric data from the medical record were analyzed. All patients were determined to be following an age-appropriate growth curve but had multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Additionally, 6 children were typically developing outside of the feeding context. Results suggest that children with food selectivity may require more intensive and earlier nutrition screening beyond their growth patterns.