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. 6 There are both psychosocial and biochemical causes. There are many hypotheses regarding the causes of pica, but no firm data supports these theories. Dental issues may result from eating ice and other hard substances. A person may become bloated and constipated as a result of consuming clay. Infections may result from consuming toxic substances. The symptoms in pica are usually related to the actual nonfood items that the individual consumes and the physical consequences that may result. Pagophagia (ice) ranging from cups to pounds a day.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. 1Ĭommon nonfood items that are eaten by those with pica include, but are not limited to the following items: 6 It is also seen in other populations such as those with intellectual disabilities, autism, OCD, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and schizophrenia. 14 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. 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 such as paper, dirt, glue, erasers, cloth, chalk and hair. 14 This is an apt description of this eating disorder due to the correlation of the behavior of those with pica and that of the magpie who collects random objects.
Pica gets its name from a species of bird that are routinely observed putting all kinds of items in their beaks, from food wrappers to shiny objects.
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