Do you crave ice?
Posted by kathryn in Q & A Thursday
The next question in Q & A Thursday is from a reader who asks:
Someone once told me that people who are anaemic crave ice. I can’t find any information about this, but it worries me because my 12 year old daughter LOVES ice.
Pica is the name of the health issue where people crave and chew substances which are either not normally classified as food, or are not usually eaten in large quantitites. As well as ice, pica cravings can include clay, cornstarch, paper, soil, chalk, soap and coal.
What causes pica?
Our knowledge of what causes pica is a bit sketchy. There is some evidence it may be caused by nutritional deficiencies and ice pica has been linked to low iron. However none of this evidence is conclusive.
What to do if you think you have pica?
For pica to be diagnosed the cravings must have lasted more than one month. It is not a short-term, one-off condition.
Plus if you simply like chewing ice, that is not pica. Pica is a craving. Which is a more intense desire or need, than a simple enjoyment.
If you think you may have pica it’s really important to see your GP. To get a proper diagnosis and work out why this is happening.
What is Q & A Thursday?
This post is part of Q & A Thursday – a monthly burst of blogging, where you get to dictate the subject matter. Q & A Thursday is all about simple, practical answers to food and diet dilemmas sent in by readers.
09 October, 2008
Comments
Wow, that is so interesting. I’ve never heard of that condition before.
Wow, I have never heard of that before.
Hello, I am utterly addicted to vinegar. I used to drink it, but now tend to stick with having ridiculous amounts with salads, fries, etc.
Would this overwhelming craving be considered Pica or something else? Also, if it is not Pica, do you have any explanation as to what a craving for vinegar could mean? Noone has ever been able to explain it to me!
Louise, thanks for your comment. It could be a case of pica, as this term also covers the abnormal craving of normal foods. I would recommend discussing this with your GP – to find out if there’s a problem.
Hi Kathryn, I only just found the post I asked you the question on today! Forgive my delayed response.
Thank you so much for your response. I have asked GPs in the past, but none have been able to explain it to me, and have written it off as just a ‘craving’.
To be honest, it’s so normal to me – it’s just an everyday thing I deal with. The problem is when it leads me to unhealthy foods – I often find myself eating fried chips with so much salt – not for the chips, or salt – but for the vinegar. I also claim lemon with nearly the same intensity, so it’s an acid thing in general.
The odd thing is apparently my great grandfather (who I hardly knew, so it’s not an environmental influence) also had the same obsession!
Anyway, if you ever hear anything to suggest what this could be, I would love to hear about it!! Thanks again :)
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