A 2-year-old boy presents with irritability, pallor, and pica (cravings for ice). His mother reports that he drinks cow's milk excessively. What is the potential cause and next steps?
The symptoms suggest iron deficiency anemia. Drinking excessive amounts of cow's milk can lead to iron deficiency in toddlers by interfering with iron absorption and displacing iron-rich foods. Initial tests should include a CBC and reticulocyte count, followed by iron studies if anemia is confirmed. Management would involve dietary changes to limit cow's milk intake, increase intake of iron-rich foods, and iron supplementation.