What should I do if a twelve-year-old child is a picky eater?

Generally, picky eating in 12-year-old children may be related to factors such as eating habit formation, excessive psychological stress, trace element deficiencies, iron-deficiency anemia, and so on. Timely treatment, either general or pharmacological, should be administered according to the underlying causes. If other discomforts arise as a result, medical attention is required. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Eating Habit Formation

Poor eating habits are one of the causes of picky eating, such as excessive intake of snacks and family dietary environment influences. These factors may cause children to lose interest in regular meals. Good eating habits should be established promptly, and the intake of snacks should be appropriately limited.

2. Excessive Psychological Stress

If a child experiences significant academic pressure, it may affect their mood, leading to irritability and the development of picky or selective eating habits. This can be alleviated through activities such as listening to music, reading books, and cultivating hobbies to reduce psychological burdens.

3. Trace Element Deficiency

Trace element deficiency is usually related to improper diet. If a child lacks zinc, for example, appetite may be affected, leading to selective eating. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as delayed growth and development and reduced immunity. Treatment may include medications such as zinc sulfate oral solution, zinc gluconate granules, and multivitamin calcium-zinc tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron intake. In severe cases, it may cause children to lose interest in food and develop picky eating habits. Symptoms may include pale complexion, fatigue, and dizziness. Treatment may include medications such as ferrous succinate granules, iron dextran injection, and ferrous fumarate granules, under a doctor's guidance.

5. Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis is typically associated with long-term improper diet and infections. As the condition progresses, gastrointestinal dysfunction may occur, causing the aforementioned discomforts. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, and acid reflux. Treatment is recommended under medical guidance using medications such as hydrotalcite granules, esomeprazole magnesium enteric-coated dry suspension, and digestive tablets.

It is recommended to first identify the cause of the child's picky eating before initiating targeted treatment. Additionally, a balanced diet should be maintained during treatment, focusing on bland, soft, and easily digestible foods to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal system.