Selective eating disorder (SED) is a condition that affects a person’s ability to eat a wide variety of foods.

People with SED have an extreme aversion to certain foods and will only eat a limited range of foods, which can lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and other health problems. While the cause of SED is still largely unknown, recent studies suggest that genetic factors may play a significant role in the development of this disorder.

What is Selective Eating Disorder?

Selective eating disorder, also known as a food neophobia, is a condition in which an individual avoids certain foods or groups of foods. In most cases, the individual has an intense fear of trying new foods or experiencing new tastes and textures.

The person’s diet typically consists of a very limited number of foods, which can make it difficult to get all the necessary nutrients that the body needs.

What are the symptoms of Selective Eating Disorder?

The symptoms of selective eating disorder can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of SED include:.

Avoidance of certain foods or groups of foods
Severe restrictions on the type or variety of food that can be eaten
Anxiety or fear around trying new foods
Difficulty swallowing or choking on certain foods
Weight loss or malnutrition

Genetic Factors and Selective Eating Disorder

While the exact cause of selective eating disorder is still unknown, recent studies have suggested that genetic factors may play a role in the development of this disorder.

Researchers have found that individuals with SED tend to have a specific genetic make-up that makes them more likely to develop this disorder than other individuals.

Specifically, studies have identified several genes that are associated with SED. One of these genes is the TAS2R38 gene, which is responsible for detecting bitter tastes in food.

Individuals with a certain variation of this gene are more likely to be resistant to trying new foods, which may contribute to the development of SED.

Another gene that has been linked to SED is the P3H1 gene. This gene is responsible for the production of an enzyme that is involved in the production of collagen, a protein that is found in many different types of food.

Individuals with a variation in this gene may have difficulty digesting certain types of food, which can make them more likely to develop SED.

Environmental Factors and Selective Eating Disorder

In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors may also play a role in the development of selective eating disorder.

Some researchers believe that early environmental factors, such as a lack of exposure to different types of foods during childhood, may contribute to the development of SED.

Other environmental factors that may contribute to the development of SED include anxiety, stress, and other mental health conditions.

Some individuals with SED may use food as a way to cope with these underlying mental health conditions, leading to the development of selective eating disorder.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Selective Eating Disorder

Diagnosis of selective eating disorder typically involves a thorough evaluation of the individual’s eating habits, as well as any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to the development of this disorder.

Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and dietary changes.

Some individuals with SED may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help them to identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their aversion to certain foods.

In addition, dietary changes, such as gradually introducing new foods into the individual’s diet, may also be helpful in treating SED.

Conclusion

While the exact cause of selective eating disorder is still unknown, recent studies suggest that genetic factors may play a significant role in the development of this disorder.

Genetic variations, such as those in the TAS2R38 and P3H1 genes, may make individuals more likely to develop SED. In addition, environmental factors, such as a lack of exposure to different types of foods during childhood, may also contribute to the development of this disorder.

Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy and dietary changes, and early intervention may be key in successfully treating this disorder.