The craving that could warn you about a possible iron deficiency

Iron is a key mineral in the production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

When iron levels decrease, problems such as anemia can occur. A specific craving could indicate that there is a deficiency in this nutrient.

The lack of this mineral can be due to various reasons, such as absorption difficulties in people with celiac disease or a diet low in iron.

Although fatigue is one of the most common signs, there are other manifestations such as pale skin, dizziness, headache, cold sensation in the extremities and brittle hair and nails , according to information from 20minutos.

One behavior that may be related to iron deficiency is the unusual desire to consume ice , known as pagophagia . This phenomenon is part of pica, a disorder that involves eating non-food items.

There are other types of pica, such as geophagia , characterized by the ingestion of dirt, clay or sand, and amylophagia , related to the consumption of starch, such as corn or laundry starch. There have also been reports of people who have cravings for substances such as coal, chalk, paper, ashes or hair.

The National Library of Medicine notes that although pica is more common in children, it can also occur in adults with iron deficiency , even if they have not developed anemia.

While ice consumption does not pose an immediate danger, pica can pose risks when the substances ingested are toxic or difficult to process. Some of the consequences can include poisoning, intestinal blockages and alterations in the digestive system.

Signs of possible pica poisoning include abdominal pain and bloating, extreme fatigue, nausea, and episodes of diarrhea, sometimes with the presence of blood.

If you have a persistent desire to consume ice or other non-edible substances, it is advisable to consult a specialist , as it could be a sign of iron deficiency that requires evaluation and treatment.

The Universal (Mexico) / GDA

*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from El Universal (GDA), and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.