Understanding Pica
What is Pica?
Pica is a condition that causes people to eat non-food substances that have no nutritional value and some that can actually be harmful to them especially in substantial amounts. It can affect children and adults alike of either gender at any age and be linked to both physical and mental health conditions. People with pica will still eat a normal diet in addition to the non-food substance that they crave, and it can go undiagnosed if they eat non harmful items like ice. It’s believed to be relatively common, but experts aren’t sure as research studies can have different definitions of the condition, and many cases go unreported.
Causes
There isn’t a single known cause for developing pica, but there are several things that can lead to its development. It’s believed that anaemia, caused by iron deficiency in pregnant women can cause