Is Picky Eating a Nutrient Deficiency? Dr. Elisa Song Explains

Is Picky Eating a Nutrient Deficiency? Dr. Elisa Song Explains

From The Dr. Brighten Show by Dr. Jolene Brighten

June 9, 2026 · 22 min · Season 1 · Episode 147

About this episode

Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Elisa Song discuss the connection between picky eating and nutrient deficiencies, offering strategies for parents to help their children expand their diets.

My new book, ADHD and Women, is now available for pre-order! Learn how hormones influence ADHD symptoms and get your copy here: http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen End picky eating with practical, root-cause strategies from integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, MD, and view the full show notes at DrBrighten.com: https://drbrighten.com. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Song discuss picky eating, zinc, gut health, sensory food aversions, and simple ways parents can help kids expand their diet with less stress. 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Elisa Song, MD, joins Dr. Brighten to explain why picky eating may be more than “just a phase” and how nutrient status, the gut microbiome, sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation can influence a child’s food preferences. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: - Why zinc may be a key nutrient to consider for selective eaters - How sensory food aversions may connect to nutrient insufficiencies - How to involve kids in food choices without pressure - What parents should know about zinc supplements and food sources - Why gut health matters for nutrient absorption, mood, immunity, and food preferences - How fiber, phytonutrients…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Jolene Brighten

Guest: Dr. Elisa Song

Topics covered

  • picky eating
  • nutrient deficiency
  • gut health
  • zinc
  • children's diet
  • parenting strategies

Keywords

  • picky eating
  • nutrient deficiency
  • zinc
  • gut health
  • children's food preferences
  • sensory aversions
  • parenting tips

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: DrBrighten.com

Books & works: ADHD and Women

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