Tragic toddler died from severe anaemia caused by ‘predominantly milk-based diet’

A toddler from Burnley has died from severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk‑based diet, an inquest has heard.

Twenty-one-month-old Anaya Khaanan was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital on July 22 last year after her condition worsened overnight, but she died before a planned blood transfusion could take place, according to LancsLive.

Her condition had deteriorated the night before and, once at the hospital, doctors decided she needed a blood transfusion but she sadly died before it was carried out. The coroner was told she had been offered solid foods but was unable to consume enough to meet her iron requirements.

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Preston Coroners’ Court held an inquest on Tuesday (June 16), headed by Area Coroner Kate Bisset, during which the court was told that Anaya had been born in Pakistan. The cause of death was recorded as severe anaemia caused by a milk-based diet.

The coroner returned a narrative conclusion and said: “Anaya Khaanan died on the 22nd July 2025 at the Royal Blackburn hospital as a consequence of severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet.

“Anaya was offered solid foods but was unable to consume sufficient oral intake to meet her iron needs, particularly when she became tired as her anaemia progressed.

“Anaya had been seen by the GP who ordered blood tests to take place and she was also seen at the urgent treatment centre on the 10th July 2025. At that time, a diagnosis was made of urinary tract infection and no blood tests were undertaken as they were not clinically indicated by her presentation on that date.

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“Anaya became more unwell overnight between the 21st and 22nd July 2025 and was taken to hospital where plans was instigated for a blood transfusion to take place. Anaya deteriorated and died prior to the transfusion taking place.”

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