Neofobia alimentar em crianças do 1.º ciclo e seus cuidadores

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Food preferences are influenced by genetics, but may be modified by environmental factors. The rejection of novel foods without willing to try them is called food neophobia. Although this is a defensive mechanism, it may lower food diversity and, therefore, lead to eating and nutritional imbalances.OBJECTIVES: To assess food neophobia level among children (n = 182) from 6 to 12 years old and to relate it with their caregivers food neophobia level and their perception on the children's attitudes regarding novel foods.RESULTS: Caregivers presented higher food neophobia levels when compared to the children (p < 0.001). We also found that caregivers overestimate the children's food neophobia levels (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS: These results contribute to the knowledge on food neophobia among primary school children, namely regarding the relationships between different assessment measures and the potential effect on food diversification of caregivers perception on children's food neophobia level.