# 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.

## Key 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).