A 16-year-old female presents with fatigue, dizziness, and pallor. She recently became a vegetarian. What is the potential cause and next steps?
Given her diet change, the symptoms could suggest iron deficiency anemia. Initial testing should include a CBC, reticulocyte count, and if anemia is confirmed, iron studies to confirm iron deficiency. If confirmed, dietary counseling regarding iron-rich foods, potentially including a return to eating meat or incorporating iron-rich plant foods, and iron supplementation should be considered.