Most Picky Eating Harmless But It Can Signal Emotional Woes, Study Claims

BOSTON (CBS) - Many kids are picky eaters, but could it be a sign of something more serious? Dr. Mallika Marshall reports.

Leo is a happy, healthy 3 year old, but his mom says he's a picky eater and prefers only pasta, bread, and anything that has carbs in it.

Sound familiar? Dr. Mary Brown, a pediatrician at the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, says it's all too common. "A day doesn't go by where someone isn't concerned about their children's eating habits," says Dr. Brown.

If parents weren't worried enough about their kids' nutrition now a new study in the journal Pediatrics has given them something else to worry about. Researchers found that about 20% of children ages two to six are picky or selective eaters, 3% severely so, and that these kids are more like to suffer from anxiety and depression.

Dr. Brown is surprised by the study results. "It certainly makes sense that kids who have some difficulties around feeding where it becomes a stressful experience for both parents and kids it makes sense that they may develop some anxiety later on or even at the time," explains Dr. Brown.

Before parents panic, Dr. Brown says you're likely to see other warning signs. "If they're noticing other behavior changes not just associated with meal times or if the child is picky related to specific textures or smell as opposed to just generalized vegetables, that may be more concerning."

Most kids will outgrow their dietary restrictions and in the meantime, parents should try to relax and continue to offer variety. "If they're not being offered new foods then they're definitely not going to try them," says Dr. Brown.

If a child's selective eating becomes a real problem, Dr. Brown says she will refer families to a registered dietitian.