Effect of Pica Behaviour on Health

Abstract

The ingestion of non-nutritive substances by people with an irresistible desire without any reason and unknown etiology have been reported. This eating disorder is called pica behavior, diagnosed particularly in children and during pregnancy, seen in anemia, mineral deficiencies, psychiatric disorders, hemodialysis, behavior disorders such as anorexia nervosa, and socio-cultural factors. Pica, named differently according to edible substance, in some cases is seen as a reason of a disease; in others as a result of the disease. Pica, as a result or reason of the illness, can harm the body irreversibly due to ingestion of non-nutritive substances. The early diagnosis and medical treatments of this eating behavior are showed to be as life-savers.