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New Study Reveals Picky Eating Could Signal Serious Issues In Kids

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Many parents know the frustration and worry when your child is a picky eater -- and now a new study shows the problem is a common one.

CBS2's Dr. Max Gomez reports it could signal more serious issues for some kids.

The Duke University study in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests it could be a signal of emotional issues in a small portion of picky eater children.

The study shows that 20 percent of children ages 2-6 are "selective eaters." Three percent are considered severely selective and more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression.

"I personally think that these are kids who are anxious in other settings it's not just about food," said. Dr. Dyan Hes, Medical Director of Gramercy Pediatrics.

Leo is a happy, healthy 3-year-old. But his mom says like many children his age, he's a picky eater.

If it were up to Leo, he would be eating pasta, bread or anything with carbs, his mom, Racheli Buchler explains.

"So a normal, picky eater is a kid who doesn't want his carrots to touch his fish sticks," Dr. Hes said. "Might be a kid who you serve mashed potatoes and broccoli and when they see the green of the broccoli they pick it all out but they'll continue to eat the mashed potato."

Pediatricians like Dr. Hes say treatment for extreme cases could include therapy or even medication. For the majority of kids who are more likely to outgrow the problem, she recommends parents work with children, grind up fruits and vegetables into meals and don't give them other options.

"I have to be very sneaky," Buchler said. "I'm making this dish at least once a week because it's very easy for me."

So far, it's working for Leo.

Again, the large majority of picky eats will not develop mental health issues, but it's something to watch for.

Dr. Gomez also says that kids tend to pick up on subtle cues from parents. If you're not a big veggie fan, chances are your child won't be either.

"I used to tell my kids -- just try all foods once," Dr. Gomez said.

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