![]() The children and women of these countries consume what will make them seem full enough to make it through the day without hunger pains. However, in some impoverished countries, eating dirt/clay is not practiced by choice but as a result of food shortages. Pica has also been practiced in many countries and is referred to as cultural pica (Barrett, 2008). However, some believe it to be a form a aggression, while others found that pica was greater in environments with reduced social interaction (Gonyea, 2007). When we turn to psychological theories many researchers believe pica is a learned behavior. Anemia is also commonly diagnosed in pregnant women and the frequent observation of pica in this population which also suggests that a biochemical role as a possible cause as well (Stokes, 2006). However, as we narrow back to the drawing board it is unclear whether an iron deficiency prompted the eating of clay or whether the eating of clay resulted in the lack of iron absorption since it is thought that clay impairs absorption by binding iron in the gut. Iron deficiency anemia has been most reported in those patients who consume clay. A medical professional should assess if the behavior is sufficiently. Iron-deficiency anemia and malnutrition are two of the most common causes of pica, followed by pregnancy. Nutritional theories point towards nutritional deficiencies associated with pica such as iron, calcium, zinc and other vitamins (Stiegler, 2005). Pica often occurs with other mental health disorders associated with impaired functioning (e.g., intellectual. ![]() Other areas studied for possible causes include cultural, ethnic, and family practice (Barrett, 2008). ![]() Several theories have been proposed to attempt to understand this behavior including nutritional/dietary factors, psychological, and biochemical disorders (Gonyea, 2007). Since there is no known cause for pica, it is considered a multifactorial phenomenon due to the many possible etiologies. ![]()
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