3 nearly 4 year old eating issues

[Beeeeebe]

Hi,

looking for some advice whilst awaiting the doctors appointment in 2 weeks time.

My 3 year old, nearly 4 year old has been eating things like mud, toilet paper. Minimal amounts such as she will dip her finger in mud and secretly eat it.

she knows it is wrong and gets embarrassed but after a google I am hearing it isn’t age appropriate now?

It started earlier in the year, on top of this she is a very fussy/ bland eater so it’s not like she enjoys food in general. I have also noticed the whites of her eyes are blue tinged?

has anyone ever been in the same situation and what was the outcome?

Thanks in advanced x

Is it pica?
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/pica.html#:~:text=Pica%20is%20an%20eating%20disorder,can%20lead%20to%20health%20problems.

This definitely looks like it could be possible! Maybe a mild case but I am not too sure

Definitely sounds like it could be pica. Does she take a decent multivitamin? She may be seeking out things that are missing from her restrictive diet.

GP might have limited experience. Does sound like Pica and I’d also look into ARFID. Does she have other sensory needs?
I’d be asking for a referral to a Paediatrician and a dietician.

I'd be asking for a blood test for iron levels

I agree with you

She has started freaking out lately over her clothes being slightly wet or dirty etc, but this is a new thing?
I will ask for a referral; thank you

She is on a multivitamin and still has daily full fat milk- I think the only thing saving her at the moment is the milk though

does she have gut health issues? eg if she has a history of antibiotic use or bad mold exposure which could have messed up her microbiome. that can cause unhealthy cravings and contribute to pica

Have you tried the pediasure milkshake powder? The chocolate one is legitimately delicious, but the vanilla one is fine for a blander taste. I used them every day with my very fussy preschooler to keep weight on and get protein and nutrients into him. It's pricey but was a godsend. I make it with full fat milk rather than water for extra calories.

Milk inhibits iron absorption btw

It's fine as long as you don't take it at the same time.