Covid-19 is making kids fussy eaters, experts suggest.
Covid-19 is making kids fussy eaters, experts suggest - The smell experts have released guidance to help parents and healthcare professionals better recognize parosmia
It's possible that Covid-19 is making kids fussy eaters?
This may be due parosmia – a disorder which cause people experience strange and often unpleasant smell distortions. Like chocolate may smell like petrol.
Fifth Sense and Carl Philpott of the University of East Anglia's Norwich Medical School are releasing guidelines to help parents and healthcare professionals better understand the disease.
Parents of children experiencing parosmia are seeking support and understanding. Read our response by clicking the link provided: https://t.co/Mj2MDEYUfd#fifthsense #taste #alltheosmias #parosmia@uniofeastanglia @UEAResearch pic.twitter.com/ataAgyh2ZV — Fifth Sense (@FifthSenseUK) January 18, 2022
According to Prof Philpott, “Parosmia is thought to be a product of having less smell receptors working which leads to only being able to pick up some of the components of a smell mixture.
“We know that an estimated 250,000 adults in the UK have suffered parosmia as a result of a Covid infection.
“But in the last few months, particularly since Covid started sweeping through classrooms last September, we’ve become more and more aware that it’s affecting children too.
“In many cases the condition is putting children off their food, and many may be finding it difficult to eat at all.
“It’s something that until now hasn’t really been recognized by medical professionals, who just think the kids are being difficult eaters without realizing the underlying problem.”
Prof Philpott also mentioned that for the first time in his career, he is experiencing young patients with parosmia.
“Establishing what the triggers are and what tastes OK is really important.
“There are lots of common triggers – for example cooking meat and onions or garlic and the smell of fresh coffee brewing, but these can vary from child to child.
“Parents and healthcare professionals should encourage children to try different foods with less strong flavors such as pasta, bananas, or mild cheese – to see what they can cope with or enjoy.
“Vanilla or flavor-free protein and vitamin milkshakes can help children get the nutrients they need without the taste.
The guidance suggests that children and adults should consider smell training.
