A 21-year-old member asked:
Is ice chewing a symptom of anemia?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Pedro Hernandezanswered
Geriatrics 42 years experience
PICA: In medicine we call "pica" to the strong desire to eat or drink very unusual substances or foods. Children and adults with pica may eat:
animal feces, clay, dirt, hairballs, ice, paint, sand.This pattern of eating should last 1 mo.In pregnancy, in childhood, and in malnourished populations is more common.It is true that iron or zinc deficiency could be present but could also be psycological.
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6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Martin Rubensteinanswered
Hematology and Oncology 47 years experience
Yes.: A compulsion to chew ice is a manifestation of iron deficiency anema, but not anemias from other causes. A sore tongue may also occur. Chewing on any peculiar substance, including clay in some, also can be from iron deficiency. The term for this behavior is "pica.".
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 40-year-old member asked:
Does chewing ice cause anemia?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Richard Mcgeeanswered
Medical Oncology 52 years experience
No but related: Ice chewing called pagophagia is caused by iron deficiency and can be fixed quickly with iron supplements. Iron deficiency is usually due to blood loss of some sort. You should see a doctor to find out about the blood loss which may indicate a much more serious issue.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 5, 2014
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