A toddler who consumes excessive milk daily and has a poor appetite is at risk for which condition?

A toddler who consumes excessive amounts of milk generally has a reduced appetite for other foods that are necessary for a balanced diet. This can lead to iron deficiency anemia due to insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, which are critical for proper growth and development. Milk is low in iron and, when consumed in large quantities, can inhibit the absorption of iron from other foods, further compounding the risk of developing this condition. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, and without adequate intake, a toddler may not get enough iron, leading to anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and developmental delays.

In contrast, while excessive milk consumption can potentially lead to obesity, vitamin D deficiency through insufficient absorption of other nutrients or dehydration are less directly correlated with milk consumption. Vitamin D deficiency typically relates more to sunlight exposure and dietary sources rather than milk alone, and while consuming milk does contribute to hydration, it is not primarily associated with dehydration in the same way that inadequate fluid intake from other sources would be. Understanding these nuances helps to pinpoint the specific nutritional risks associated with excessive milk consumption in toddlers.