Question

Define a specific disorder affecting childhood and preadolescent nutrition. How does it impact development and what interventions can be put into place to help provide appropriate nourishment?

Answer 1

Food neophobia which is the reluctance to eat/avoidance of new foods.Challenging eating habits can continue to be a problem for many years with 47% having duration longer than 2 years.It is common for preadolescents to continue to demonstrate food neophobia.They may continue to avoid or be reluctant to new foods or begin to experiment due to increased independence.They exhibit tendency to  avoid fruit and vegetable intake , demonstrate poorer healthy eating index,less varied food preferences,greater anxiety,greater emotionality and more negative reaction to food.Food neophobic children tend to underconsume ,relative to their energy needs,because of their reluctance to try new foods.Attention to issues related to weight ,appropriate appetite and meal patterning is crucial for positive eating relationships and may prevent the development of eating disorders .Parents must provide nourishhing foods and guidance to positive health behaviours. Meals should be scheduled to ensure the availability of simple meals that are easily eaten and reheatable