London - Fussy eaters are born not made, it seems. A study of more than 2,500 British children showed that an aversion to eating greens is in the genes. DNA also largely governs our taste for fruit.
However, appetite for chocolate, crisps, biscuits and chips is mainly fed by what happens at home, according to the findings from University College London.
The parents of more than 1 300 pairs of twins aged three and four were asked how much their children liked 84 foods. Vegetables were liked least and snacks most, especially chocolate.
Researchers then compared the likes of the identical twins, who share all their DNA, with those of the non-identical twins, who share half their DNA, to estimate how much of their preferences could be explained by genes and how much by their home life.
Analysis found genes explain more than half of a child’s liking for fruit and vegetables. Environmental factors, such as the food served at home, fuelled appetite for sweet and salty snacks.
The finding that genes are key to liking less appetising foods may help explain why one child will eat anything while a sibling is fussy. Professor Jane Wardle said her findings, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, help vindicate parents who struggle to get their children to eat their greens. - Daily Mail