21-month-old girl dies in UK after 'Cow’s milk diet' causes severe anaemia; Couldn’t eat solid food

A 21-month-old girl of Pakistani-born living in the UK died from severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet after she was unable to eat enough solid food to meet her iron needs, an inquest has heard, as cited by The Mirror.Anaya Khaanan died at Royal Blackburn Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, on July 22, 2025, after her condition rapidly worsened and doctors began making arrangements for a blood transfusion.An inquest at Preston Coroners’ Court heard that Anaya, the daughter of Mian Abdul Khaanan and Aneela Ikram from Burnley, had developed severe anaemia after relying largely on cow’s milk because she struggled to consume sufficient solid food.Area Coroner Kate Bisset recorded a narrative conclusion and said Anaya’s death was the result of severe anaemia linked to a predominantly milk-based diet.“Anaya Khaanan died on the 22nd July 2025 at the Royal Blackburn Hospital as a consequence of severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet,” the coroner said.The inquest heard that Anaya had been offered solid foods but was unable to eat enough to meet her nutritional requirements, particularly as her condition worsened and fatigue made eating more difficult.Medical evidence showed that Anaya had previously been seen by her GP, who arranged blood tests. She was also examined at an urgent treatment centre on July 10, where she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.The coroner noted that blood tests were not carried out during that visit because they were not considered clinically necessary based on her symptoms at the time.Anaya’s health deteriorated overnight between July 21 and July 22, prompting her family to take her to the hospital.Doctors determined that she required an urgent blood transfusion, but her condition worsened before the procedure could be performed.She died before the transfusion could take place.Her cause of death was recorded as severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet.

About anaemia

Anaemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to tissues and organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat. Iron-deficiency anaemia, the most common form of the disease, can become life-threatening if left untreated, particularly in infants and young children whose nutritional needs are not being met.