Tag: Strange cravings

Research has consistently linked pica, the eating of non-food items, with nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency. This phenomenon is sometimes reported with unusual cravings, prompting the question: do anemic people crave mint?

According to Mayo Clinic, some people with iron deficiency anemia report unusual smell cravings for things like gasoline. A specific craving for pungent smells, including petrol, is termed 'desiderosmia' and is strongly associated with low iron levels, even when a desire to consume the substance is absent. While not every person who enjoys the scent has a deficiency, a persistent, compelling craving could signal an underlying issue that requires medical attention.