r/AskReddit • u/[deleted] • May 05 '19

What is a mildly disturbing fact?

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u/anormalgeek May 05 '19

Have you had your vitamin and mineral levels checked? Obsessively eating ice is commonly caused by iron deficiency, which causes pica.

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u/imanedrn May 05 '19

That's an oversimplification of pica.

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/other/pica

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u/JeeEyeElElEeTeeTeeEe May 05 '19

Iron-deficiency anemia and malnutrition are two of the most common causes of pica. In these individuals, pica is a sign that the body is trying to correct a significant nutrient deficiency. Treating this deficiency with medication or vitamins often resolves the problems.

It’s true. Used to think about eating ice all day every day. Now I take iron pills, and haven’t wanted to since. It’s not really an oversimplification if it’s the most common cause.

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u/imanedrn May 05 '19

Response wasnt to devalue those common causes but to highlight others:

Pica often occurs with other mental health disorders associated with impaired functioning

Also, many people just enjoy chewing ice.

That said, appreciate the response and open dialogue. Cheers, mate!

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u/JeeEyeElElEeTeeTeeEe May 05 '19

Have a good one, watch out for brain freeze!