Serum Trace Element Levels and Their Correlation with Picky Eating Behavior, Development, and Physical Activity in Early Childhood

Abstract

Trace elements are vital components for healthy growth, development, and physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between trace element (iron, zinc, copper) deficiencies and picky eating behavior, development level, and physical activity level. This cross-sectional study involved 203 children aged 4–7 years; picky eating behavior, development level, and physical activity level were assessed through questionnaires. Zinc deficiency has the highest prevalence (37.4%); 67.5% of the children were assessed as picky eaters. Children with picky eating behaviors, poor development level, or poor physical activity level have significantly lower zinc levels, and higher prevalence of zinc deficiency. Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated a positive correlation between serum zinc level and development scores (r = 0.221, p = 0.002) and physical activity scores (r = 0.469, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, zinc deficiency independently related to picky eating (OR = 2.124, p = 0.037, CI = 1.042–4.312), developmental level (OR = 0.893, p = 0.022, CI = 0.810–0.984), and physical activity level (OR = 0.785, p < 0.001, CI = 0.700–0.879). In conclusion, the prevalence of zinc deficiency in children aged 4–7 was high, especially in picky eaters. Zinc deficiency was significantly associated with low development and poor physical activity in early childhood.

Micronutrient deficiency and supplements in schoolchildren and teenagers

“…There is a consensus for a risk of insufficient iron and zinc intake [3,19 ▪▪ ]. A Taiwanese study including 203 children detected picky eating in 67.5% of children in whom a high prevalence of low zinc levels was associated with low development and poor physical activity [19 ▪▪ ]: while not adjusted for confounders, this study should be considered a warning sign. This category of children merits close monitoring, and eventually more advanced diagnosis of status if deviations from the standard percentiles is detected.…”

“…This usually resolves without affecting the child's development, but there is a subgroup of children for whom this is not the case [3]. There is a consensus for a risk of insufficient iron and zinc intake [3,19 ▪▪ ]. A Taiwanese study including 203 children detected picky eating in 67.5% of children in whom a high prevalence of low zinc levels was associated with low development and poor physical activity [19 ▪▪ ]: while not adjusted for confounders, this study should be considered a warning sign.…”

Interventions for Picky Eaters among Typically Developed Children—A Scoping Review

“…This has been confirmed by Grulichova et al [ 26 ], who found that being a PE in childhood affects weight and height at age 15. A zinc deficiency was also observed to be connected with PE behaviour [ 27 ].…”

“…A long-term study indicated that pre-schoolers who were persistently picky eaters had lower weight and height by the age of 15 compared to non-PE children [ 26 ]. PE behaviour not only affects nutritional health but is also linked to micronutrients, especially zinc [ 27 ]. This micronutrient is essential for the immune system’s health and as an enzyme cofactor in the body’s metabolic process [ 28 ].…”