may render micronutrients in ingesta unavailable for absorption. It occurs commonly in children and among pregnant women. It is possible that the binding capacity of pica substances explains the association with micronutrient deficiencies earth, starch, etc. Pica is a form of eating disorder characterised by these symptoms. Currently available data, although limited, best support the protection hypothesis as a cause of most types of pica, although some evidence suggests that pagophagy (ice consumption) may occur during iron deficiency. Multiple proposed etiologies of pica are reviewed, including cultural expectations, psychological stress, hunger, dyspepsia, micronutrient deficiencies (Fe, Zn, and Ca), and protection against toxins and pathogens. This is the most concerning and potentially lethal side effect of pica Eating non-food objects can interfere with eating healthy food, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Its worldwide ubiquity, prevalence among pregnant women and children, and association with both positive and negative health outcomes, especially micronutrient deficiencies, underscore the importance of understanding this behavior. Pica is a rare craving to eat substances other than food, like dirt, clay. although pica is commonly associated with children and pregnant women adults from all areas of the world are affected by this disorder as well. Its normal for kids up to 2 years old to put things in their mouth. Symptoms of discomfort due to pregnancy vary from woman to woman. several studies, in both developed and developing countries, have demonstrated that anemia and low hemoglobin concentration are commonly found in pregnant women who practiced pica.

Most cases of pica happen in young children and pregnant women. Pica, the purposive consumption of nonfood substances, is a millennia-old nutritional enigma. Pica is often seen in kids living in poverty, or in those whove been abused or neglected.

Pica syndrome during pregnancy