Presentation Details
| Exploring the link between oral sensitivity and mealtime challenges in picky eaters Berenice I.Montano Rodriguez, Christopher T.Simons. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA |
Abstract
Picky eating in children can lead to mealtime stress and poor nutrition and may be influenced by heightened oral sensitivity and parental perceptions. Therefore, we assessed oral tactile and taste sensitivity and parental perceptions of eating behavior in picky (PE) (N=17) and non-picky eaters (N=52) aged 8-17 yrs. We hypothesized that PE would exhibit greater sensory sensitivity, lower dietary diversity, and more adverse mealtime behaviors. Children were classified as picky using the “Fussiness” and “Enjoyment of Food” sections of the Development Children's Eating Behavior Questionnaire and a parent screener reporting ≥2 instances where the child “never,” “almost never,” or “sometimes” (a) ate the same food as the family, (b) consumed fruits and vegetables, or (c) ate an adequate amount of food during meals. Just-noticeable difference (JND) thresholds for punctate pressure, roughness, viscosity, and bitterness were assessed using aesthesiometers, graduated metal coupons, xanthan gum, and quinine solutions, respectively. Dietary diversity and mealtime behaviors were evaluated using the Children’s Dietary Questionnaire and the Mealtime Behavior Questionnaire. Group differences were analyzed using unpaired t-tests (α = 0.05). No significant differences between group group tactile or taste JNDs were found although punctate pressure showed a marginal effect favoring greater sensitivity in PE. Additionally, PE showed poorer diet diversity (p=0.0019) and fruit and vegetable intake (p=0.00259), more adverse mealtime behaviors with higher food refusal (p=0.00149) and mealtime aggression (p=0.0163). While no significant differences were found in tactile or taste thresholds, a small effect for roughness detection suggests that oral texture perception may warrant further exploration.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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