Since pica is also common among those with OCD, developmental disabilities, and mental health issues, the doctor will also have to check for these as an underlying cause for the unusual eating behavior. One key test is for anemia, since iron deficiency is closely linked to the risk of having pica. Diagnosing pica should be accompanied by tests for anemia, potential intestinal blockages, and toxic side effects of substances consumed (i.e., lead in paint, bacteria or parasites from dirt). At times, blood tests and X-rays may also be needed. In addition, the doctor will check for any intestinal blockages or toxicity resulting from the consumption of non-food substances. You’ll also have to share your complete medical history as well as minute details of your eating habits. To establish whether or not you have pica, your doctor will conduct a few checks and tests. Evidence of non-food objects like bits of plastic or strings or little stones in the stoolsįor your problem to be diagnosed as pica, the baseline is at least one month of these cravings and consumption of non-food, non-nutritional objects.Trouble telling apart non-food objects from food (for instance, the child may nibble on a plastic or paper plate or table mat).Constantly on the lookout for such objects to eat Pica, mental health condition, a type of eating disorder, characterized by the compulsive eating of substances that are not food and that have little or no.'Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, are more prone to pica,' Black adds. 6 Other symptoms of these deficiencies may manifest alongside the eating disorder – such as, skin diseases, allergies, and poor immunity due to zinc deficiency fatigue, frequent illnesses, joint pain, and anemia due to copper deficiency and muscle cramps and twitches, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat due to magnesium deficiency. According to Black, anything from starvation or nutritional imbalances to hormonal imbalances and diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems can all contribute to the condition. Zinc, Magnesium, And Copper Deficiencyīesides iron, researchers and medical professionals surmise that a deficiency of other essential nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and copper could also cause pica cravings. 5 Alongside the craving for odd foods, you may also experience dizziness, headache, lethargy, and shortness of breath, all of which are common in iron-deficiency anemia. You could then substitute these odd non-food items with a proper, prescribed iron supplement – giving your body the nourishment it needs, the right way. 4 So, if you have unusual cravings, it may be a good idea to get your iron levels checked. Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Complications Treatment Outlook Pica is a condition that mostly affects pregnant people and children. Research from the American Dietetic Association journal confirms that pregnancy-related pica cravings are linked to iron deficiency. In published literature, the most common definition of pica is the placing of non-edible items past the plane of the lips. If you are anemic or are pregnant and have low iron levels, you may have cravings as a result of iron deficiency. Pica, the repeated eating of non-food items, is the eating disorder most often displayed by children with autism. Iron Deficiency, Usually In Pregnant Women
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