Pregnancy-Related Iron Deficiency
Women who get pica usually have low iron levels. The American Dietetic Association has concluded through research that iron deficiency can cause such cravings to begin, and they recommend that you should substitute non-food items with an iron supplement that has been prescribed by your general physician. Also, be sure to give your body proper nutrition. Other signs of iron deficiency include shortness of breath, headache, lethargy, and dizziness.
Developmental Disorders in Childhood
Children who have been diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disorders oftentimes have pica. Note the non-food items these children attempt to eat and how often they do it. Also, you should track the reasons or situations that lead to this attempt. Sometimes, the child needs sensory feedback, or having a certain texture in their mouth.
