Symptoms Of An Iron Deficiency

Strange Non-Food Cravings

An iron deficiency can make individuals crave non-food items such as ice, dirt or clay. Doctors use the term Pica to describe the craving to eat things that supply no nutritional value to the body. Craving and chewing ice (pagophagia) has long been associated with an iron deficiency, both when it progresses to anemia and when it does not, though the reasoning behind this remains unclear, though some research indicates the action may increase alertness in these patients. It is also said major emotional problems can cause the onset of eating clay or dirt. An iron deficiency does cause stress within the body, which can lead to Pica. To learn more about Pica, check out Understanding Pica And What You Need To Know.

Discover more iron deficiency signs now.