Children inherit many of their dietary preferences for protein-rich foods like meat and fish from their parents, while their preferences for vegetables and desserts are more significantly influenced by their living environment.
Researchers at the Cancer Research UK Institute have compared eating preferences among identical and fraternal twins and found that some preferences are inherited, while others are learned.
The study involved over 200 pairs of same-sex twins. The mothers of these 4- to 5-year-old children were presented with a list of 77 foods and asked to evaluate their child’s level of liking for each item.
Fraternal twins share the same set of genes, whereas identical twins share only half their genetic makeup. Therefore, comparing their eating habits can help identify which preferences are genetic and which are influenced by environmental factors. The study also found that girls tend to prefer vegetables more than boys.
Scientists are still unclear about the factors that influence children’s preferences for fruits, vegetables, and desserts. “It may be that children mimic their parents’ likes or dislikes towards certain foods,” noted the lead researcher Jane Wardle.
