Pica cravings trial#

( 5) were the first to demonstrate a direct biochemical relation between pagophagy and iron deficiency anemia in a group of men and women aged 15–78 y, and they were able to reverse pica in this group with iron repletion. Since then, there were numerous epidemiologic studies in which an association was observed between pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia, and pica ( 2). Others suggested that pica is an adaptive behavior, with potential benefits including provision of iron and detoxification of harmful dietary components ( 4).Īs early as 30 AD, links were made between pica, pregnancy, and anemia ( 2). At points in history, it was classified as an eating disorder, in the same category as bulimia and anorexia ( 3). Pica is most prevalent among pregnant women and young children ( 2). It has been observed for ≥2000 y the first known description was by Hippocrates in 400 BCE. Pica is a general term referring to the craving and purposive consumption of nonfood items, such as earth (geophagy), raw starch (amylophagy), large quantities of ice (pagophagy), charcoal, ash, and chalk ( 1).

Pica cravings trial#

This trial was registered at as NCT01019902. Although additional studies must address the etiology of these relations, this practice should be screened for, given its association with low iron status and because many of the substances ingested may be harmful. During pregnancy, mean SF, TBI (mean ± SD: 2.5 ± 4.2 mg/kg), and hepcidin concentrations were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in the pica group ( n = 72) than values observed among the non-pica group. Substances ingested included ice (37%), starches (8%), powders (4%), and soap (3%). Among the 158 adolescents, 46% reported engaging in pica behavior. Pica behavior was assessed up to 3 times across gestation. Maternal iron status indicators were assessed during pregnancy (18.5–37.3 wk) and at delivery. Approximately two-thirds of the participants were African American and 25% were Hispanic.

To address this, we undertook a longitudinal study examining iron status and pica behaviors among a group of 158 pregnant adolescents (aged ≤18 y). However, few studies related pica behaviors to biomarkers of iron status, and little is known about pica prevalence in U.S. A relation between pica (the craving and purposive consumption of nonfood items) during pregnancy and anemia is observed frequently.