Pica

Pica is the name for a disorder where people, often children or pregnant women, are compelled to eat non-food substances. Clay, dirt, ice, sand, animal feces, paint, and hairballs are just a few examples of what people with pica have been known to eat.

Sometimes specific nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, anemia, and zinc deficiency, trigger the cravings. (Pica may also occur in adults who crave certain textures in their mouths.)

Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Follow Us
from beyond babyzone:
Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Comments, together with personal information accompanying them, may be used on BabyZone.com and other Disney media platforms. Learn More.
Real-mom dispatches from the Baby Zone
watch more videos
X

more in BabyZone

10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
10 Excitingly Exotic Baby Names
read more >