Pica - familydoctor.org

Pica - familydoctor.org

Pica

01/13/2017 02:56 PM EST

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
Related MedlinePlus Page: Eating Disorders

Pica is a compulsive eating disorder that affects 10% to 30% of young children, ages 1 to 2. It is the act of eating nonfood items. Dirt, clay, and flaking paint are the most common. Less common items include glue, hair, cigarette ashes, and feces. It is most common in children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism. On rare occasions, pregnant women crave strange, nonfood items. For these women, pica often involves eating dirt and may be related to an iron and zinc deficiency.