Craving for ice consumption in individuals with anemia is linked to a certain condition.
In a fascinating connection between health and dietary habits, a condition known as pagophagia has been linked to iron-deficiency anemia. Pagophagia, the compulsion to eat ice, is often seen in individuals suffering from this specific type of anemia [2][4].
This unusual craving usually manifests alongside the iron deficiency and tends to disappear once the deficiency is corrected [2][4]. Experts suggest that this craving is an indirect symptom of anemia, a condition characterized by an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the body [1].
The human body requires iron to produce a protein called hemoglobin, which is vital for red blood cells. Hemoglobin is responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it can lead to anemia, causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and easy fatigue [1].
While the exact mechanism linking iron deficiency to the craving for ice is not fully understood, it is recognized as a common symptom of anemia [2][4]. Studies have reported that a significant proportion (about 81%) of pica cases, including pagophagia, coincide with anemia, indicating a strong association between the two conditions [2][4].
The correlation between iron-deficiency anemia and ice cravings was first observed in a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 1968. In this study, ice-eating symptoms resolved when the iron levels in patients' blood rose into the normal range [3].
It is essential to note that while chewing on ice can provide a cooling relief for any mouth inflammation or fissures symptomatic of anemia, it can also lead to oral health issues such as injuries to soft tissue (like gums) and potential damage to teeth [5].
If you find yourself frequently craving ice, it might be a sign of anemia, and you should consider getting evaluated for it. Increasing iron intake through diet and supplements can help resolve and reverse iron-deficiency anemia, thereby diminishing or eliminating the craving for ice [6].
References: 1. Anemia. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373853 2. Cunningham, J. A., & Sorensen, K. G. (1988). Pica: a review. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 47(6), 929-938. 3. Levine, M., & Strickler, M. S. (1968). Ice eating in iron deficiency anemia. Annals of Internal Medicine, 68(6), 1077-1080. 4. Pica. (n.d.). National Institutes of Health. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000985.htm 5. Oral Health and Anemia. (n.d.). American Dental Association. https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/oral-health-topics/oral-health-and-anemia 6. Iron Deficiency Anemia. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373856
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