craving ice iron deficiency
craving ice iron deficiency
When iron drops, the body often signals it through unusual cravings — most commonly chewing ice (pagophagia), but also dirt, clay, starch, chalk, paper, salt, and sometimes sugar or red meat. Craving non-food items is a form of pica and one of the most telling signs of iron deficiency. This guide explains each craving, the other symptoms that confirm the pattern, and the testing and treatment steps to take next.