Neophobia, the fear of trying new foods exists

The incorporation of new foods can be very natural for some children, but quite traumatic for others. There are those who love to try new flavors, while others do not risk leaving those flavors they know.

If this is what happens to your child, it is probably a case of neophobia ("fear of the new"). This phenomenon, especially common in childhood, can be very desperate for adults, but it is important not to force the child to eat. We tell you what you can do to face this stage in the best possible way.

What is neophobia and why does it occur?

Neophobia is a very frequent phenomenon in childhood, especially around two and three years, which tends to disappear after five years.

Food aversions and preferences constitute an individual variable of a person's eating behavior that are influenced by a complex network of multi-factor interactions, such as food availability, conditioned learning, economic factors, genetic factors ...

There are also investigations that indicate that babies are born with a protective instinct against new foods, and therefore most show some rejection to try them and need their time and several attempts to accept them.

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Neophobia and nutritional deficiencies

Although neophobia does not usually have associated complications and it is a passing stage in the child's life, it is advisable to consult with the pediatrician, especially if our child has a too restrictive diet, as it could increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

In this sense, a recent investigation carried out by the Finnish National Institute of Health and Welfare, the University of Helsinki, and the University of Tartu in Estonia, have warned about a increased risk of chronic diseases related to lifestyle, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

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The study, conducted among a group of individuals between 25 and 74 years old, examined the impact of food neophobia on diet quality and diseases associated with lifestyle. So far, very few investigations related to this area had been carried out, so the data is of great interest.

The investigation found that Food neophobia is related to a worse diet quality, especially with a lower intake of fiber, protein and monounsaturated fatty acids, and a higher intake of saturated fats and salt.

Can neophobia be prevented?

There are certain factors on which we can act to try to prevent neophobia, although without a doubt our example is the best prevention measure. And is that children learn by imitation, observing the eating habits of the family and imitating our behaviors

Our example must also go through trying new foods, enjoying culinary novelties or telling them about the different flavors. If something we do not like, we can explain the reasons (for example, it is very salty, has a spicy taste, I feel bad ...), but we must experiment from time to time, so that our children see us enjoy food.

"Hereditary factors and our genotype only determine our predisposition to food neophobia. Early childhood education and care, as well as guidance on lifestyle in adulthood can provide support in the development of a diverse diet "- cites the study we echoed.

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In this sense, some of the recommendations that we can follow to avoid the appearance of neophobia are:

  • Neophobia is a fear derived in most cases from a rather poor diet in terms of flavors, so we must also try a varied menu. We will achieve this with a rich and extensive diet, which includes all kinds of fruits, vegetables, fish ... in short, do not always stick to the same type of food.

  • Occasionally cook more elaborate dishes, which combine different flavors, ingredients and textures.

  • Eat calmly and with your family, without distractions that interfere in that precious moment.

  • Food handling It is also an excellent help when it comes to preventing neophobia. In this sense, it is recommended to allow babies to manipulate and experiment with food, and as they grow we can share with them the time of purchase and cooking, to familiarize themselves with food from different perspectives.

  • And of course, and as we mentioned at the beginning, Never force the child or force him to taste the food. Punishments, blackmail and threats also have no place, as they are really harmful.

  • However, we must not stop offering the food in a patient and respectful way, as there will come a time when the child dares to try it. According to experts, the acceptance of the food usually comes after having tried it between 10 and 15 times.

New flavors from the womb and during breastfeeding

During pregnancy it is important that the mother eat a diet as varied and healthy as possible, since the flavors of the food can pass into the amniotic fluid and from there to the fetus. From the second trimester of gestation, the taste buds begin to develop and the baby begins to experience different sensations.

During breastfeeding, breast milk changes its flavor according to the diet that the mother follows, which offers the baby the possibility of beginning to identify flavors, making him more likely to accept them later.

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Photos | iStock

Video: What Is Food Neophobia? (March 2024).