What are the Causes of Pica?
What are the Causes of Pica?
Three main reasons have been suggested to be responsible for pica behavior.
Hunger:
One simple but important reason is hunger and it is believed that people consume non-food items because they do not have anything else to eat. To a large extent, pica is dependent on the food habits of a particular region or community and is possibly related to shortage of ancestral food.
Micronutrient deficiency:
The deficiency of a specific element such as iron, zinc or calcium (these elements are typically required in very small quantities and called micronutrients) in the diet has also been suggested as a possible cause. Pica behavior is viewed as an attempt to increase of a micronutrient, which is otherwise deficient in the individual. Interestingly, some also suggest that the micronutrient deficiency affects the taste of a particular individual. This, accompanied with disturbed brain enzymes, causes non-food substances to appear appealing to those who practice pica.
Protection from toxic chemicals and microorganisms:
It has also been suggested that some people resort to pica behavior in an attempt to lessen the harmful effect of microbes or plant chemicals. In this case, pica substances are thought to render protection by serving as a coat over the intestine, thereby making it difficult for toxins and pathogens to gain entry into the system. Pica substances are generally consumed when there is maximal need for protection from toxins and microbes. Due to the same reason, childhood and pregnancy (especially early pregnancy) have been identified as susceptible phases for pica behavior in humans. Psychological stress has also been linked to pica. However, it needs to be understood if pica is a response to stress in afflicted individuals.
References:
- Young SL, Wilson MJ, Miller D, Hillier S. Toward a comprehensive approach to the collection and analysis of pica substances, with emphasis on geophagic materials. PLoS One. 2008; 3:e3147. PMID: 18773081 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- Danford DE. Pica and nutrition. Annu Rev Nutr. 1982; 2:303-22. PMID: 6764733. [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE].
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Dr. Varshini Jayaraman. 2012. What are the Causes of Pica?. Medindia, viewed Jan 26, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/what-are-the-causes-of-pica.htm.