Tag: Pica risk factors

Pica, an eating disorder characterized by compulsively eating non-food items, can affect people of any age, but certain populations are significantly more susceptible. Notably, it occurs most frequently in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with developmental or mental health conditions, where it can sometimes signal underlying issues like nutritional deficiencies.

According to a systematic review, pica was associated with a 2.4-fold increase in the odds of anemia and lower plasma zinc levels compared to controls, making nutritional deficiencies a significant risk factor. This craving for non-food items, which defines pica, is not random; it most commonly affects certain vulnerable populations.