Is Picky Eating Genetic?
Is Picky Eating Genetic? What Parents Need to Know
Parents often wonder: “Is picky eating genetic?”
Maybe you were a picky eater yourself, or your spouse was, and now your child struggles with food. It’s a question I hear in my work with families. And the truth is… it’s not a simple yes or no.
There isn’t one single “picky eating gene.” BUT there are several genetic factors that can make eating harder for some kids (and adults!). These genes can influence nutrient absorption, oral development, taste perception, gut health, and even the immune system. And when you combine those factors with environment and early feeding experiences, it can tip the scales toward picky eating.
The good news? Genes may load the gun, but environment and support pull the trigger. With the right strategies, your child doesn’t have to stay stuck.
In this post, you’ll learn:
The most common genetic factors linked to picky eating
Visible signs and symptoms that genetics may play a role
The three most important steps you can take right now
Nature vs. Nurture When It Comes To Picky Eating
I often hear parents say:
“I was a picky eater when I was young, maybe my child just inherited it.”
“My husband was picky, so our child must have gotten it from him.”
And sometimes, there’s truth to that. But usually one of two things is happening:
Environment: If a parent is currently selective, doesn’t enjoy cooking, or eats only a limited range of foods, the child is exposed to fewer flavors. Exposure is one of the biggest drivers of how kids learn to eat.
Genetics: Many of the families I work with do love food. They cook diverse meals, offer lots of flavors, and still have a child who eats only a handful of foods. In these cases, genes and our 4 pillars to feeding success may be part of the picture.
The Genes That Can Influence Picky Eating
1. The MTHFR Gene Mutation
This is the big one.
The MTHFR gene helps the body process folate and B12 — essential B-vitamins that impact:
Growth and energy
Appetite regulation
How the brain processes sensory input
When this pathway doesn’t work well, it may show up as:
Low appetite
Trouble tolerating textures
Extra sensitivity around food
MTHFR is also linked to midline differences such as tongue-tie or lip-tie. These ties can make feeding exhausting or painful from day one. Babies may develop reflux, fall asleep before finishing a feed, or compensate with inefficient sucking. Later, that struggle can resurface as picky eating.
And here’s the kicker: the very foods richest in folate and B12 — leafy greens, beans, lentils, meats, and eggs — are often the foods picky eaters refuse. Their bodies need them most, but they’re the hardest to get in.
2. Taste Receptor Genes
Some kids are literally wired to taste foods differently.
The TAS2R38 gene makes bitter flavors taste much stronger. Broccoli, spinach, or kale doesn’t just taste “meh” to them — it tastes intensely bitter.
3. Gut & Nutrient Genes
Other genes affect how the gut processes food and absorbs nutrients:
FUT2: Influences the gut microbiome and B12 absorption. Variants can lead to gut issues and B12 deficiency.
DAO: Helps break down histamine. If sluggish, foods like tomatoes, cheese, or chocolate can trigger tummy pain, flushing, or rashes — leading kids to avoid them.
HLA-DQ2/DQ8: The “celiac genes.” If present, gluten can damage the gut lining or trigger painful symptoms, even without full celiac disease.
Ties & Early Feeding Challenges
Many kids with MTHFR also have midline differences: tongue-tie, lip-tie, or high palate. These structures form very early in pregnancy, during the same period when folate is fueling development.
Here’s where it gets personal. When my son struggled with feeding as a baby, I suspected MTHFR was involved. His struggles mirrored what my mom told me about my own infancy. Later, I asked for testing during my second pregnancy and confirmed that I do have the MTHFR mutation.
Why does this matter? Because ties don’t just affect breastfeeding. They can shape a child’s entire relationship with food. Babies adapt to survive, but their brain learns: “Feeding is hard.” That survival strategy can later look like extreme pickiness, gagging, or rejecting new textures.
Signs Genetics May Be Playing a Role
Here are common red flags I look for:
Infants
Tongue or lip tie from birth
Reflux or frequent spit-up
Falling asleep during feeds from exhaustion
Difficulty gaining weight
Colic or extreme fussiness
Toddlers & Kids
Eating fewer than 20 foods consistently
Refusing entire categories (all veggies, all proteins)
Strong texture/taste sensitivities
Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or stomachaches
Low energy or frequent illness
Visible & Physical Signs
“Methylation crease” (vertical groove between philtrum and upper lip)
Dark circles or bluish tint under eyes
Prominent vein on bridge of nose
Brittle or ridged nails, slow-growing hair
Eczema or frequent rashes
High anxiety, mood swings, or unusual pallor
What Parents Can Do if Genes Play A Role In Picky Eating
If this sounds like your child, here are three steps you can take:
Consider testing. MTHFR and other variants can be checked with a simple cheek swab or blood test. If your pediatrician won’t order it, you can often find direct-to-consumer kits.
Use the right vitamins. For MTHFR, avoid folic acid. Choose methylfolate and methyl-B12 instead — the active forms the body can use.
Fuel with the right foods. Focus on nutrient-dense sources of folate and B12 (leafy greens, beans, lentils, avocado, meats, eggs, dairy). Supplements can bridge the gap while expanding food variety.
Get regular labs. Check B12, folate, homocysteine, and iron to see if your child’s body is actually getting what it needs.
Why Holistic Feeding Therapy Matters
Feeding is never just about behavior. Sticker charts and bribes don’t solve the root cause.
When I work with families, I ask:
Is there an oral tie that made eating difficult from the start?
Is there a genetic piece like MTHFR affecting nutrient absorption?
Is the nervous system overwhelmed from sensory input?
Is gut discomfort making eating painful?
Picky eating is never just one thing. It’s a puzzle — and when you zoom out and see all the pieces, progress finally happens.
Next Steps for Parents of Picky Eaters
If this resonates with you:
👉 Take my free quiz on the right hand side of this page to find out if your child is in the Fearful, Stuck, or Curious stage of eating. You’ll get your next steps immediatly.
👉 If you’re ready for personalized help, explore the Unlocking Mealtimes Roadmap. We go way beyond behavior charts, looking at genetics, gut, oral motor, and sensory profiles to create a step-by-step plan for progress.
SO, Is picky eating genetic? The answer is maybe. But here’s what’s certain: with the right support, your child doesn’t have to stay stuck there.