Does Eating Cornstarch Cause Low Iron?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a compulsive craving for non-food substances like cornstarch, known as pica, is frequently linked to underlying nutritional deficiencies. While eating cornstarch doesn't directly cause low iron, the craving for it is a classic symptom of iron deficiency anemia. This article explores the physiological reasons behind this connection and explains why addressing the root cause is crucial for health.

Quick Summary

The craving for cornstarch is a common symptom of pica, an eating disorder often caused by iron deficiency anemia. The condition is a sign of an existing mineral shortage rather than the cause. Addressing the underlying iron deficiency is the key to resolving the craving.

Key Points

Symptom, Not Cause: The craving for cornstarch (amylophagia) is a symptom of existing iron deficiency, not the cause of low iron levels.
Underlying Condition: The compulsive eating of starches is a form of pica, an eating disorder strongly linked to iron-deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency.
Reversible with Treatment: In most cases, the craving for cornstarch completely resolves when the underlying iron deficiency is corrected with appropriate medical treatment.
Lack of Nutritional Value: Cornstarch is a refined carbohydrate that offers no significant nutritional benefits and does not address the body's need for iron.
Displacement of Nutrients: Relying on cornstarch can displace nutritious foods from the diet, potentially worsening the existing deficiency.
Health Risks of Pica: Untreated pica can lead to complications such as digestive problems, dental damage, and untreated anemia.
Need for Medical Diagnosis: Anyone with persistent cravings for cornstarch should seek a medical evaluation to test for potential iron deficiency and receive proper treatment.

The Connection Between Cornstarch Cravings and Iron Deficiency

While the popular notion suggests that eating cornstarch leads to low iron, the scientific and medical community has established the reverse to be true. The craving for starches, a behavior known as amylophagia, is a specific form of pica, an eating disorder characterized by a compulsion to eat non-food items. This behavior is a strong clinical indicator of an underlying iron deficiency. The body's craving for non-nutritive substances can be an attempt to satisfy a perceived nutritional gap, even though the ingested substance offers no real benefit.

The exact physiological reason why iron deficiency triggers these specific cravings is still under investigation, but it is thought to be related to neurological changes. Iron is crucial for brain function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and a lack of it can alter appetite and behavior. Studies have consistently shown that when iron deficiency is treated with supplements or dietary changes, the cravings for non-food items like cornstarch often disappear completely.

Why Cornstarch Doesn't Cause Low Iron

Cornstarch itself is simply a refined carbohydrate, derived from the endosperm of corn kernels. It contains negligible amounts of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and therefore does not provide any significant nutritional value. It does not contain any substances that actively chelate, or bind to, iron in the digestive tract to prevent its absorption. While some early studies involving laundry starch suggested some interference with iron absorption in animal models, modern cornstarch used for cooking does not pose this specific risk. The primary issue is not the cornstarch itself, but the underlying nutritional state that prompts the craving for it in the first place. Consuming large amounts of cornstarch habitually can, however, lead to other digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and constipation, and it can displace more nutritious foods from the diet, further exacerbating the existing deficiency.

Diagnosing and Treating Iron Deficiency

If you or someone you know has a persistent craving for cornstarch, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. The evaluation will likely include blood tests to check for iron deficiency anemia. If an iron deficiency is confirmed, treatment is typically straightforward and highly effective. Medical management can include the following:

Oral Iron Supplements: The most common treatment involves taking ferrous salts (e.g., ferrous sulfate) to replenish the body's iron stores. Alternate-day dosing can enhance absorption and reduce common gastrointestinal side effects.
Dietary Modifications: Increasing the intake of iron-rich foods, especially those containing highly-absorbable heme iron (like red meat and poultry), is a key part of long-term management. For vegetarians, focusing on plant-based iron sources and consuming them with vitamin C can boost absorption.
Intravenous Iron Therapy: In cases of severe deficiency, malabsorption issues (such as with celiac disease or gastric bypass), or poor tolerance to oral supplements, intravenous iron infusions can rapidly correct iron levels.

By addressing the iron deficiency, the craving for cornstarch naturally resolves. It is a symptom that disappears once the root cause is treated.

Pica and Iron Deficiency: A Comparison


Feature	Eating Cornstarch (Amylophagia) as a Symptom	Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) as the Cause
Nature of Condition	A behavioral craving, often a manifestation of an underlying health problem.	A medical condition caused by insufficient iron for red blood cell production.
Nutritional Impact	Consumes a calorie-dense but nutrient-poor substance, potentially displacing other foods.	Results in fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and poor concentration due to low oxygen transport.
Underlying Mechanism	A neurological craving triggered by the lack of iron, affecting brain chemistry.	Caused by poor diet, blood loss (e.g., heavy periods), or impaired absorption.
Treatment Focus	The craving ceases once the root cause (the iron deficiency) is corrected with medical treatment.	Requires iron supplementation (oral or intravenous) and dietary changes to replenish iron stores.
Health Risks	Digestive issues (constipation, bloating), dental damage, and malnutrition from displacing nutrient-rich foods.	Heart problems, impaired cognitive function, and poor immune health if left untreated.

Conclusion

To be clear, eating cornstarch does not cause low iron. Instead, the craving for cornstarch is a classic and significant sign of an existing iron deficiency. This craving is a symptom of pica, the compulsive eating of non-nutritive substances. The most effective course of action is not to suppress the craving directly but to seek medical evaluation for iron deficiency anemia. Once the underlying deficiency is diagnosed and treated—typically with iron supplements and dietary adjustments—the craving for cornstarch reliably and permanently subsides. Ignoring these cravings and failing to treat the root cause can lead to more severe health complications associated with untreated anemia. For anyone experiencing persistent, unusual cravings, consulting a healthcare provider is the most responsible and effective step toward restoring health.

The Iron-Cornstarch Connection

Craving is a Symptom: A compulsive desire to eat cornstarch, known as amylophagia, is a symptom of an underlying iron deficiency, not its cause.
Pica Disorder: Amylophagia is a form of pica, an eating disorder linked to nutritional deficiencies, including low iron and zinc.
Treat the Root Cause: The most effective way to eliminate the craving is to treat the iron deficiency with supplementation and dietary changes.
Cornstarch is Not a Cure: Cornstarch provides little to no nutritional value and does not correct the mineral deficiency driving the craving.
Habitual Intake Risks: Consistently eating large quantities of cornstarch can lead to digestive issues like bloating and constipation.
Pica Resolves with Iron: In most cases, the craving for cornstarch completely resolves once iron stores are replenished.
Seek Medical Advice: Persistent cravings for non-food items should prompt a visit to a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eating cornstarch in large, raw amounts is not advisable. It can lead to digestive problems like bloating, gas, and constipation. Moreover, it displaces more nutritious foods from your diet, which can worsen existing mineral deficiencies.

Pica is an eating disorder that involves a compulsive craving and consumption of non-food items, such as cornstarch, ice, dirt, or clay. When it is specifically for starches, it is called amylophagia.

Common symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, a swollen or sore tongue, and unusual cravings for non-food items, like cornstarch or ice (pica).

Pica associated with iron deficiency is most commonly seen in pregnant women, young children, and individuals with poor diets. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also cause iron deficiency in adult women, leading to pica.

Treatment for iron deficiency typically involves taking oral iron supplements and making dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods. In severe cases, intravenous iron therapy may be necessary for a faster response.

Yes. Studies have repeatedly shown that once the underlying iron deficiency is corrected through iron supplementation, the compulsive cravings associated with pica, including those for cornstarch, almost always disappear.

Attempting to stop the craving without addressing the root cause is often unsuccessful and can be frustrating. It is best to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for the underlying iron deficiency.