Does chewing ice represent a symptom of anemia?
Yes, a desire to chew ice is a sign that you may have an iron deficiency and that you could be anemic. This type of abnormal craving for non-food items is called pica. Ice eating is the most common, but eating starch, paper or clay are also common forms of pica and patients will not usually volunteer this type of behavior. Why this craving emerges in iron deficient people is not known. If you recognize a desire to eat these items, or any non-traditional foods, be sure to talk with your doctor about your cravings and habits.
