Anaya Khaanan: UK 21-month-old girl dies from severe anemia caused by milk diet; unable to eat solid food | World News
A 21-month-old Pakistani-born girl living in the UK died from severe anemia caused by a mostly milk-based diet because she was unable to eat enough solid food to meet her iron needs, The Mirror reported, citing an investigation.Anaya Khaanan died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, on July 22, 2025, after her condition rapidly deteriorated and doctors began arranging a blood transfusion.Anaya, the daughter of Mian Abdul Khaanan and Aneela Ikram, from Burnley, developed severe anemia after relying heavily on milk as she struggled to eat enough solid food, an inquest at Preston Coroner’s Court heard.District coroner Kate Bissett recorded a narrative conclusion and said Anaya’s death was caused by severe anemia caused by a diet based mainly on milk.The coroner said: “Anaya Khaanan died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on July 22, 2025, due to severe anemia resulting from a predominantly milk-based diet.”The inquest heard Anaya was given solid food but was unable to eat enough to meet her nutritional needs, particularly as her condition worsened and fatigue made eating more difficult.Medical evidence showed Anaya had previously seen her GP and had blood tests ordered. She was also examined at an urgent care center on July 10 and was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.The coroner noted that no blood tests were performed during that visit because they were not considered clinically necessary based on her symptoms at the time.Between July 21 and 22, Anaya’s health deteriorated overnight and her family took her to the hospital.Doctors determined she needed an emergency blood transfusion, but her condition worsened before surgery could be performed.She died before a blood transfusion could be given.Her cause of death was recorded as severe anemia caused by a largely milk-based diet.
About anemia
Anemia is when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry enough oxygen to tissues and organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common form of the disease and, if left untreated, can be life-threatening, especially in infants and young children whose nutritional needs are not being met.
