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A member asked:
I eat paper. how life threatening is this?
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Not life threatening: BUT a lot of chemicals in most paper that should not be ingested regularly or in large quantities. Bleaching agents, sizing agents, chalk, and finishing agents, to name a few. Specialty papers ( toilet or facial tissue included) can contain perfumes, softening agents, dyes and other pigments. While there is some caloric value to cellulose, it is best to stick with food.
Answered 4/24/2015
3.8k views
Not life threatening: Paper is basically cellulose that your body will digest/handle. You should talk to your doctor about this habit/desire as it is not a common thing for people to do.
Answered 5/17/2018
3.8k views
PICA: Eating or craving for abnormal things is called Pica. The commonest cause is anemia- Iron deficiency anemia. See your doctor for appropriate tests.
Answered 5/11/2015
3.8k views
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