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Craving or eating bizarre substances, that have no nutritional value, like mud, clay, pencils, chalk, paint from the wall etc.

Children between ages 1 and 6. Pica does not apply to infants and children up to about 18 months old as they normally "put everything" in the mouth.

• Eating non-food substances, such as clay, pencil, plaster, paint or gravel.
• Abdominal pain (sometimes).
• Symptoms of resultant anemia, worms or giardiasis.

• Instinctive needs to replace minerals deficient in the diet for e.g. eating clay/mud in Iron deficiency
• Psychological factors that are not well understood related to emotional deprivation.

• Family history of pica.
• Poor nutrition.
• Anemia.

• Remove substances from the reach of children.
• Provide a well-balanced diet for yourself and your children.
• Provide a loving, supportive home environment for your children.
• If painting your house, ask for lead-free paint. Ditto for painting older baby cribs.

• Observation of symptoms.
• History and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies to detect anemia, worms.

• Lead poisoning from paints or plaster.
• Intestinal infections or parasites from soil.
• Anemia.
• Malnutrition.

NOTE--Follow your doctor's instructions. The instructions given below are supplemental.

• Keep the substances, your child is eating, out of his reach.
• Evaluate your home environment and family interactions. If you feel they are not what they should be, seek ways to create a healthier atmosphere. Consult a counselor, if necessary.

Let your doctor diagnose the cause and suggest medicines.

Provide a well-balanced diet. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be necessary. If you need help planning meals, click here or if still not satisfied, ask Ms. Minal.

• Your child continues to have symptoms of pica.
• Pica does not improve in 2 weeks, despite treatment.