Ingestion of dirt or clay may be considered culturally acceptable in some areas. It is unclear, though, whether the lack of nutrients led to the consumption of clay, for instance, or whether eating nonfood items caused nutritional deficits. One potential reason that individuals consume nonfood items is that they suffer from a nutritional deficiency such as a low level of iron, zinc, or calcium. 3 There are both psychosocial and biochemical causes. There are many hypotheses regarding the causes of pica, but no firm data supports these theories. The unborn baby and mother can be endangered, depending upon the items eaten. Pregnant women tend to chew on ice a great deal during pregnancy, but they can also consume much of the same items that children eat during episodes of pica. This is not the same as children who suck on their hair as a self-soothing technique or chew on pencils out of boredom in the classroom. This can result in nutritional deficits from lack of actual food, medical issues from intestinal blockages, or even more severe complications, depending upon the items ingested. Young children ingest all kinds of nonfood items like paper, dirt, glue, erasers, cloth, chalk, and hair. 4Among those with intellectual disabilities, it is most common between the ages of 10-20 years. 3It is also seen in other populations, such as those with intellectual disabilities, autism, OCD, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and schizophrenia. 2 Although pica occurs equally in female and male children, it is rare to see pica in adolescent and adult males. Pica is most common among pregnant women and young children. Pagophagia (ice): ranging from cups to pounds a dayĬommon nonfood items eaten by those with pica include but are not limited to:.Amylophagy (raw starch): raw potatoes, rice, flour, corn starch, baby powder.There are several categories of items consumed. In all those suffering with pica, the consumption of non-food items is present.
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