A member asked:

Does chewing ice cause anemia?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Richard Mcgee answered

Specializes in Medical Oncology

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.

Answered 11/25/2019

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Dr. Michael Engel answered

Specializes in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

What you are.....: Describing is pagophagia, the consumption of ice in the setting of anemia, usually due to an fe deficiency state. The ice consumption is not causative, but rather emblematic. You should see your dr and be evaluated for fe deficiency. You may find that your dr checks your hematocrit and red cell indices, and if microcytic hypochromic anemia is detected, starts you on fe rx (cheaper than fe testing).

Answered 11/25/2019

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