Tomatophagia Caused by Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Case Report

TL;DR

A woman with severe iron deficiency ate large amounts of cherry tomatoes, a rare behavior linked to a condition called pica, and improved after treatment.

Contribution

Reports a rare case of tomatophagia caused by iron deficiency anemia and its successful treatment.

Findings

Excessive cherry tomato consumption was linked to iron deficiency anemia and carotenemia.

The patient's condition improved after a blood transfusion and ferric carboxymaltose treatment.

Abstract

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition that can present with a variety of symptoms, including pica, which is an uncommon but notable manifestation. Pica involves the craving and consumption of non-nutritive substances and can sometimes lead to unusual dietary habits. We report an unusual case of tomatophagia, a rare form of pica, associated with iron deficiency anaemia. A Caucasian female in her forties was referred to the hospital with severe microcytic anaemia and a two-year history of excessive cherry tomato consumption. She exhibited a notably yellowish discolouration of her skin. Based on the history and clinical findings, the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia and carotenemia was made. The patient's condition improved significantly following a blood transfusion and treatment with ferric carboxymaltose (ferinject).

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