[Iron deficiency anemia and hypoproteinemia induced by fresh cow's milk]

We reported two patients who developed severe iron deficiency anemia and hypoproteinemia which were induced by excessive drinking cow's milk. Case 1, a 23-month-old girl, had started drinking 800-1,000ml of cow's milk everyday since the age of 9 months. She developed generalized edema at the age of 23 months and visited Saga Medical School for Treatment. Case 2, a 14-month-old girl began to drink cow's milk at the age of 6 months. She drank 1,500ml cow's milk every day at the age of 14 months. She was, referred to our hospital by her physician because of severe anemia. Hypoproteinemia and severe iron deficiency anemia in both of these patients were improved by oral iron intake and prohibiting of cow's milk. Although many children at their age usually drink more than 500ml cow's milk every day, manifestations of symptoms such as iron deficiency anemia and hypoproteinemia do not occur frequently. Thus some investigations suggest that genetic defects as well as other factors related to this disease may be important factors.