"My hope is that these studies put pica on the radar as a legitimate public health issue. "The public health importance of pica really needs to be acknowledged," said Sera Young, PhD, a coauthor of the study. In each case, the concentrations were significantly lower during pregnancy in the teens exhibiting pica than in the non-pica patients, the authors reported. The levels were assessed during pregnancy and at delivery. The study found 46% of the teens engaged in pica behavior, with 37% ingesting inordinate amounts of ice, 8% consuming starches (eg, cornstarch), 4% eating powders (eg, baby powder), and 3% consuming soap.Īmong the maternal iron status indicators tested during the study were hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, serum ferritin, total body iron, and serum hepcidin. These include dirt, clay, coal, wood chips and steel. Still, since ice is not known to impact iron levels, she hypothesizes that iron deficiency may have an effect on brain chemistry that leads to these cravings. Pica is a prevalent condition during pregnancy where you feel like eating non-food items. "As anemia increased, so did these behaviors, but we don't know what happens first," said Kimberly O'Brien, PhD, professor of nutritional sciences and the study's senior author. See your doctor, midwife, or nurse if you develop cravings for non-food items. Pica is rare in well-nourished women from developed countries such as Australia. The relationship between the two findings requires further research, however. Pica may indicate a mineral deficiency or severe anaemia. That finding prompted the researchers to believe there is a strong association between anemia and pica. The young women exhibiting pica behavior also had significantly lower iron levels than those teens who did not engage in the behavior. All of the teens in this study were 18 years old or younger, and nearly two thirds were black and 25% were Hispanic. Most of these young women craved and consumed ice however, some also ate starches, powders, and soap, the authors reported online in The Journal of Nutrition. Scientists from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, and the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, found nearly half of the 158 pregnant adolescents included in their study, engaged in pica. The authors also noted a strong association between anemia and pica, suggesting that iron deficiency may be a biomarker for pica behavior. Pregnant teens should be screened for pica, researchers said after their study findings showed an increased risk of the condition among this young population. Pica is characterized by persistent and compulsive cravings for nonfood items, such as ice, clay, sand, soil, or chalk. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.Pregnant teenagers should be screened for pica, researchers suggested after finding an increased risk of this behavior among this young population. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. The information on is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. Your health-care provider also will provide essential emotional support and discuss in detail the potential risks associated with pica. They may want to check for any potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. What’s the treatment for pica? First and foremost, it is very important to not feel ashamed and let your midwife or doctor know if you think you may have developed pica. What are the dangers of pica? The dangers of pica for Mom and Baby depends on the amount and type of substance consumed. Why do some women develop pica? We do not know exactly why these craving occur, but one theory exists that it may develop from a zinc or iron deficiency in the mother or the mother strongly desires a certain texture in her mouth. Pica may, in fact, be accepted and encouraged in some cultures. Women will crave substances such as coffee grounds, baking soda, dirt, soap, ice, ash, baby powder or erasers. Pica is thought to affect onefifth of pregnant women who are considered high risk. Pica in pregnancy usually develops in the first trimester. What is pica? Pica disorder was first described by Hippocrates in 400 B.C. This practice of craving and purposefully consuming nonfood items is known as pica. I have had patients crave eggs or fruit, while others must have peanut butter and chocolate at least once a day! However, some women have a very strong urge to ingest non-food items such as chalk or soil. The body undergoes so many critical changes during pregnancy and new food cravings are just one of those many changes.
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