An unusual food craving is also referred to as pica, which is often caused by an iron deficiency, but deficiencies in other nutrients can also cause pica. Sometimes pregnant women get unusual food cravings. If you begin to experience unusual food cravings, schedule an appointment with your health care provider so you can determine the exact cause.
Causes
You might experience unusual food cravings if you have mineral deficiencies such as iron or zinc. MedlinePlus says the most common cause is anemia, which is a type of iron deficiency. An adult might also suffer from pica if he craves an unusual texture in his mouth. Pregnancy can make women crave unusual foods. Elizabeth Somer, author of "Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy," says pregnant women might have unusual food cravings due to the high surge of hormones running rampant during pregnancy.
Types
Pica is described as having cravings for items that are inedible or not normally thought of as food. When you have pica, you might crave items ice, laundry detergent, clay, dirt, bleach, sand or paint. The item that you crave might have a certain flavor, such as bleach, or have a certain texture, such as sand. Consuming toxic substances such as bleach or detergent can be deadly.
Time Frame
No one specific test can confirm whether or not you have pica. MedlinePlus notes that the unusual craving should last at least one month before a health care provider can determine whether or not you suffer from pica. Pica also tends to occur when you have lower-than-normal nutrient levels and are malnourished.
Testing and Treatment
Your health care provider can run blood tests to determine whether you have a nutritional deficiency that is causing you to have unusual food cravings. He can test your iron and zinc levels, or he can check for lead poisoning, which can also cause pica. If your unusual food cravings are related to a deficiency, your doctor can address those issues by recommending a supplement or addressing diet patterns. If pica is part of a developmental disorder, such as a mental disability, he might prescribe medication to reduce the abnormal eating behavior.
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