A novel study has involved that very selective eating among preschoolers could be an early warning about them being at risk of facing depression or anxiety and need support. It is fine to be bit choosy, but extreme condition could be problematic, say researchers.

Study researchers said extremely picky condition was found in just 3% of children. In the study, around 18% of children were found to be having moderate selective eating. These children were the ones who eat a narrow range of foods.

Both the types were associated with anxiety or depression. Children having either of the condition were around two times more likely than other to exhibit anxiety symptoms within two years. Study researchers then focused on typical pickiness in which children just refuse to eat their vegetables.

As per the researchers, it was like normal dislike and pickiness ends when they grow. Dr. Arthur Lavin, a Cleveland pediatrician, was of the view that being choosy about food is the main concern being raised by parents these days.

The study has helped in knowing why there is a reason to be concerned about this habit of children. The study was based on around 900 children aged between 2 and five. In-home interviews were carried out in which children and their parents took part.

In the interviews, children were asked about their eating habits. Follow up evaluations were done after two years in around 200 children. When compared with children who were not fussy eaters, kids having severe pickiness were more inclined to have depression and anxiety.