Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Nutrients Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 November 2026 | Viewed by 22924

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Seng Hock Quak

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Medical Dr, Singapore 117597, Singapore
Interests: fruit and vegetables; dietary intake; probiotics; children's health; gut health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tammy S. H. Lim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Paediatrics, National University Hospital, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block Level 12, Singapore 119228, Singapore
Interests: feeding difficulties in children; especially those on the autism spectrum

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Feeding challenges are common in children, and they present with a spectrum of severity. While “picky eating” in a typically developing child generally tends to improve with age, some feeding challenges may persist and may require more specialized medical attention, including multidisciplinary care. In the long run, these can lead to detrimental effects on the child’s growth and nutrition, as well as caregiver stress and damaged parent–child relationships.

With the development of the “Pediatric Feeding Disorder” framework in 2019, feeding challenges in children are now more clearly defined. I am hopeful that this will translate to more literature to guide us on the assessment and management of feeding challenges in children.

This Special Issue of Nutrients entitled “Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications” welcomes original research and reviews of the literature concerning this important topic.

Dr. Seng Hock Quak
Dr. Tammy S. H. Lim
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

feeding difficulties
pediatric feeding disorder
feeding practices
caregiver feeding style
growth
nutrition

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 244 KB

Open AccessArticle

Correlates of Presence of Feeding Difficulties in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Conditions

by Tammy S. H. Lim, Pravin Anand, Ying Qi Kang, Jennifer S. H. Kiing, Mae Yue Tan, Shang Chee Chong, Liang Shen, Kalyani V. Mulay and Ramkumar Aishworiya

Nutrients 2026, 18(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18010010 - 19 Dec 2025

Viewed by 716

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Feeding difficulties are more common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other developmental conditions and are associated with nutritional risk and caregiver stress. However, they may be overlooked as growth tends to be preserved. We aimed to identify clinical and behavioral features associated with feeding difficulties among children with developmental conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional study included caregiver–child dyads, with children aged 1–7 years with ASD and other developmental conditions. Caregivers completed the Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire, Second Edition (RBQ-2) to assess child restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) and the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale (BPFAS) to assess feeding difficulties. Demographics, anthropometric measures and cognitive and adaptive scores were retrieved from medical records. Results: Of the 132 participants (mean age 41.8 months, range 15–67; 74.2% male) included, majority had normal weight (87.7%) and height (89.2%) z scores. Among participants, 54.5% had autism, 26.5% language delay and 18.9% other developmental diagnoses. Over half (53.0%) had elevated BPFAS scores. Children not enrolled in school showed significantly more feeding difficulties compared to those who were enrolled (32.6% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.05). The RBQ-2 total score positively correlated with the BPFAS total frequency score (r = 0.33, p = 0.01) after adjusting for gender, age and developmental diagnosis. Conclusions: Feeding difficulties were common in this sample. Higher RRBs and absence of formal schooling were associated with higher rates of feeding difficulties. Longitudinal studies are needed to ascertain the role of RRBs and school enrollment as clinical indicators associated with feeding difficulties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications)

11 pages, 226 KB

Open AccessArticle

Occurrence and Correlates of Vitamin D and Iron Deficiency in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Magdalena Yvonne Koh, Audrey J. W. Lee, Hung Chew Wong and Ramkumar Aishworiya

Nutrients 2025, 17(17), 2738; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17172738 - 23 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4597

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the occurrence of vitamin D and iron deficiency in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Singapore and identify correlates of the presence of these deficiencies, if any. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, retrospective review of children with a diagnosis of autism, aged 1 to 10 years old, seen at a tertiary developmental paediatric centre from January 2018 to December 2022, with blood investigations completed. Autism diagnosis was determined either clinically by a developmental paediatrician using DSM-5 criteria or using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2). Children with genetic disorders and chronic medical conditions were excluded. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with the deficiencies, and the Bonferroni method was applied on post hoc comparisons. Results: The overall sample comprised 241 children (79% males, mean age 4.2 years [SD 2.25]. There were 222 and 236 children who had blood investigations for vitamin D and iron levels performed, respectively. Out of the 222 children whose vitamin D tests were performed, 36.5% had vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Iron deficiency occurred in 37.7% for children who had their iron levels tested. There were 122 observations for both iron levels and complete blood count. Out of these, 19 (15.6%) had iron deficiency anaemia. There were no significant correlates for iron deficiency, with picky eating included. Conclusions: Vitamin D and iron deficiencies were common in this sample. Clinicians should consider testing for vitamin D and iron for children with ASD, especially for vitamin D in children of Indian ethnicity and older age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications)

19 pages, 298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Appetitive Traits and Dietary Patterns in Mexican Children Aged 12 to 36 Months

by Astrid S. Gil-Barrera, Claudia Hunot-Alexander, Clío Chávez-Palencia, Jocelyn González-Toribio, Erika Casillas-Toral, D. Citlalli Álvarez-Zaragoza, Alfredo Larrosa-Haro and Edgar Vásquez-Garibay

Nutrients 2025, 17(11), 1814; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17111814 - 27 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1440

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Appetitive traits may contribute to early feeding challenges by shaping children’s emerging dietary patterns. While food approach traits have been linked to excess weight, their role in influencing food type and quality during toddlerhood remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine associations between appetitive traits and dietary patterns in children aged 12 to 36 months. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data from a university hospital and the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Mexico. A survey was conducted through direct interviews with primary caregivers, which included the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Toddlers (CEBQ-T) and a qualitative food group frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were determined using principal component analysis. Statistical analyses were performed to identify associations between six appetitive traits and dietary patterns. Results: Three dietary patterns were identified: “Processed”, “Healthy” and “Dietary Transition/Modern Mexican”. Higher scores for Food Responsiveness and Emotional Overeating traits were associated with greater adherence to the Processed dietary pattern. Increased scores in Enjoyment of Food were associated with higher adherence to a Healthy dietary pattern. Children with higher scores in Food Fussiness exhibited lower adherence to the Healthy dietary pattern and were more likely to follow a Dietary Transition/Modern Mexican pattern. Between 12 and 36 months of age, appetitive traits may influence the development of more or less healthy dietary patterns. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of early identification of appetite-related behavioral tendencies as part of a broader understanding of feeding challenges in early childhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications)

Review

Jump to: Research

32 pages, 1408 KB

Open AccessReview

DHA: Nutritional Programming During the First 1000 Days of Life

by Laura Maria Sollena, Maurizio Carta, Vincenzo Insinga, Bruna Gabriele, Veronica Notarbartolo, Costanza Sortino and Mario Giuffrè

Nutrients 2026, 18(8), 1178; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18081178 - 9 Apr 2026

Viewed by 544

Abstract

Background: The first 1000 days of life, from conception to 2 years of age, represent a critical window during which nutrition can exert long-lasting effects on neurodevelopment, immune maturation, and susceptibility to prematurity-related morbidity. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a key structural n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid of the brain and retina, characterized by rapid fetal accretion during the third trimester. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of studies published from March 2015 up to December 2025, including randomized controlled trials, follow-up studies, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses about DHA supplementation during pregnancy, lactation, infancy and early childhood, and its role on development. Results: Across the first 1000 days, DHA supplementation improves biochemical DHA status, particularly in populations with low baseline levels (moderate to high level of evidence), while clinical outcomes remain heterogeneous. During pregnancy, some benefits in specific cognitive and behavioral domains have been demonstrated, whereas effects on global cognition and long-term behavior are frequently null (moderate evidence). Visual outcomes appear favorable, with improvements in visual acuity (moderate evidence). In preterm infants, enteral DHA—often combined with arachidonic acid (ARA)—is feasible and well tolerated. DHA may reduce inflammatory markers and necrotizing enterocolitis risk when in equilibrium with ARA (low to moderate evidence), while no evidence supports the link between DHA and reduced risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity (moderate evidence). Neurodevelopmental outcomes are mixed: neuroimaging studies suggest enhanced white matter maturation with DHA + ARA, whereas most trials show no clear benefit regarding standardized developmental scores (moderate evidence). Conclusions: DHA is biologically essential during the first 1000 days, but its clinical impact depends on timing, dose, baseline status, and prematurity-related context. The balance between DHA and ARA, rather than DHA supplementation alone, emerges as a key determinant of clinical efficacy, supporting a shift toward precision-based nutritional strategies in early life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 690 KB

Open AccessReview

Vitamin D: Nutritional Programming During the First 1000 Days of Life

by Costanza Sortino, Maurizio Carta, Cristina Bonacasa, Eva Candela, Veronica Notarbartolo, Laura Maria Sollena and Mario Giuffrè

Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1096; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071096 - 29 Mar 2026

Viewed by 842

Abstract

Background: The first 1000 days of life represent a critical window for developmental programming, during which specific nutritional exposures, such as vitamin D levels, may influence long-term health trajectories. Vitamin D plays a central role in skeletal development, but increasing evidence also supports its possible involvement in immune, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental processes during early life. In this narrative review, we summarize current evidence on the biological functions of vitamin D across the first 1000 days, focusing on its roles in skeletal, immune, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental processes, and its potential role as a programming factor. Methods: We conducted our research using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. We included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and high-quality observational studies published from 2015 onward, focusing on pregnancy, neonatal life, and early childhood. Results: Vitamin D acts through placental, epigenetic, skeletal, immune, metabolic, and neurodevelopmental pathways that are particularly active during early development. Low maternal or early-life vitamin D status has been associated with adverse birth outcomes and impaired bone health. It has also been linked to increased susceptibility to infections and allergic diseases, altered metabolic trajectories, and mild neurodevelopmental differences. Evidence from supplementation trials remains heterogeneous, with benefits appearing more consistent in populations with baseline deficiency. Conclusions: Vitamin D fulfills several biological plausibility criteria for a potential early-life programming factor, although current human evidence remains heterogeneous. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 885 KB

Open AccessReview

Thyroid Health and Selenium: The Critical Role of Adequate Intake from Fetal Development to Adolescence

by Valeria Calcaterra, Hellas Cena, Ilaria Anna Maria Scavone, Ilaria Zambon, Silvia Taranto, Cecilia Ricciardi Rizzo, Chiara Ferrara, Marianna Diotti and Gianvincenzo Zuccotti

Nutrients 2025, 17(14), 2362; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17142362 - 18 Jul 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 14147

Abstract

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and supporting development through the production of the hormones T4 and T3. These hormones are essential during childhood for nervous system myelination, physical growth, puberty, skeletal and dental maturation, and overall metabolic balance. In early infancy, when the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis is still immature, thyroid dysfunction can result in a range of long-term complications. The metabolism and action of thyroid hormones depend not only on iodine but also on other vital micronutrients, particularly selenium (Se). This narrative review aims to comprehensively examine the role of selenium in maintaining thyroid health from fetal life through adolescence. Selenium is a key micronutrient involved in thyroid development, hormone synthesis, antioxidant defense, and immune regulation, especially during pregnancy and childhood. Inadequate selenium levels may contribute to the onset, progression, and clinical management of various thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Although scientific evidence supports selenium’s critical functions in hormone metabolism and antioxidant protection, public awareness and monitoring of selenium intake remain insufficient. Beyond the need for further research, there is an urgent call for integrated public health strategies, ranging from sustainable, food-based approaches to targeted clinical screening and educational programs. Promoting awareness of selenium’s importance and incorporating selenium status into maternal and pediatric care protocols could play a significant role in preventing deficiencies and supporting long-term endocrine and neurodevelopmental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Nutrition in the Early Years: Feeding Challenges and Their Health Implications

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI