Reply to My 12 year old won't stop eating raw onions, could it be a vitamin deficiency?

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Reply to "My 12 year old won't stop eating raw onions, could it be a vitamin deficiency?"

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[quote=Anonymous]OP I think the possibility of the start of an eating disorder should be considered, because I would always keep my eyes open for it in swimmers or other athletes who exercise a lot.

Your child is on the slim side already you say, and at age 12 is probably going through pubertal growth spurt PLUS she's doing all that swimming.  She is using up a ton of calories.  You say her weight is perfect for her height, but get ahold of her historic growth charts from the pediatrician.   As an example, say she was always around  75%ile for BMI for her age, but now is only 50th%ile BMI for her age.  Technically you would say that's perfectly normal/average BMI for her age but it isn't normal for HER, it represents a drop for HER.  And this is an early warning that anorexia could be developing.

My son developed an eating disorder around this age, and yes an early sign was craving hot pickled peppers.   Every single day.   He ate normally at first but later cut out more and more foods.

I wouldn't freak out or anything but I would check your daughters historical weight pattern and how many calories she is eating every day (approximately) and maybe offer her some more high calorie foods like high calorie, high fat smoothies etc.  Just make sure she is getting all the nutrition she needs as an athlete who is also probably going through a growth spurt.  These kids can need up to 3000 calories + a day!  When they come home from school or practice they really need a full meal as a "snack" not an onion.

Keep your eye on her.

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