Low Iron/Autism/Pica???
My baby will be 17 months in 2 days, and she’s always putting metal objects in her mouth - zippers, belts, phone chargers, and even the metal holding cupboard doors together. She chews on them constantly. I’m not sure if this is because she’s teething, if she’s low on iron, or if it’s something to worry about.
I’ve spoken to her GP, but they didn’t seem too concerned. We’ve started an iron supplement, which she takes twice daily, but there’s been little change so far. She is currently teething, so maybe that’s why she mostly mouths metals and not other items.
Have any of your little ones done this? Any advice or tips would be really helpful! I’m a bit worried, as I’ve read this could also be a sign of autism. 🤦🏽♀️
I’ll put a poll together to get some easy answers. Thanks all xx
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My girl does but also puts everything else in her mouth as well so not noticed specifically if metal- did you get a prescription iron supplement or what have you gone for? I've just put my girl on a very low iron sup to see if it improves her sleep, but its only 2% rdv so I dont know if it would make a huge difference
Iron can also cause them to have poor appetites. Does she follow a veggie / vegan diet or does she get plenty of meat in. Best if you are worried to pair iron with vitamin c and avoid dairy an hour either side or have very little. It’ll help absorption, also things like lentils etc with vitamin c too!
I would say just metal alone wouldn’t be necessarily an issue. If she’s displaying more symptoms like tiredness etc and also doesn’t eat much food high in iron then yes I’d be asking for more investigation if it doesn’t help after a month or so of taking them
Did the GP suggest doing a blood test to test iron level? I want to get this done bc my little boy does this too but feel like the GP won’t do one
Most likely she is teething, and firm cold objects might be the best solution she found. If you are concerned I would ask for a test to check iron deficiency first.
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