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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could Appetite For Dirt And Crayons Be Due To Low Iron Levels?

Hi I have a very rambunctious 2 year old boy. He has recently started to eat dirt and crayons. My son was taking an iron supplement when he was 12 months old but was able to stop because his levels were ok. Do you think this a sign of being low on iron again?
Thu, 23 Apr 2015
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hello. This is Dr. Praveen and I will be answering your question today.

Your little boy has pica. Its generally thought to be due to mineral deficiencies, particularly iron. It can also be present in children with hookworm infection and in more serious states (mental disorders). Simple things first. Deworm him. Check his hemogram and evaluate for iron deficiency. Treat accordingly. If its refractory to this care, please take him to a pediatrician who could initiate a proper referral/higher evaluation. He needs to be treated though as it could result in various problems ranging from toxicity to obstruction in the intestines.

Wishing him good health. Please feel free to drop in any more queries if need be.
Warm regards,
Dr Praveen Jeyapathy
(www.diabetesintoto.wordpress.com)

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Could Appetite For Dirt And Crayons Be Due To Low Iron Levels?

Hello. This is Dr. Praveen and I will be answering your question today. Your little boy has pica. Its generally thought to be due to mineral deficiencies, particularly iron. It can also be present in children with hookworm infection and in more serious states (mental disorders). Simple things first. Deworm him. Check his hemogram and evaluate for iron deficiency. Treat accordingly. If its refractory to this care, please take him to a pediatrician who could initiate a proper referral/higher evaluation. He needs to be treated though as it could result in various problems ranging from toxicity to obstruction in the intestines. Wishing him good health. Please feel free to drop in any more queries if need be. Warm regards, Dr Praveen Jeyapathy (www.diabetesintoto.wordpress.com)