Passion for unusual foods can signal anemia

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Cravings for certain foods can arise from a number of reasons: physical, cognitive and emotional. However, sometimes unusual desires signal problems in the body, in particular, lack of iron. For example, the desire to eat ice.

Rajiv K. Pruthi, a representative of the Mayo Clinic, emphasizes that iron deficiency is often expressed by strange food preferences. People want to chew on ice, clay, soil or paper. According to a study published in the American Family Physician, iron deficiency is the most common disorder worldwide.

Patients with iron deficiency anemia do not have enough healthy red blood cells in their blood. This affects hemoglobin, the molecules that carry oxygen around the body. As a result, tissues weaken and cannot function normally.

Iron deficiency can affect anyone, but is most common in women, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding and heavy menstruation. People with iron deficiency anemia often experience fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. In addition, symptoms include:

• chest pain;
• rapid heartbeat;
• poor appetite;
• headache ;
• dizziness.

Some people with anemia have paler skin, hair loss, brittle nails, and often cold extremities. Since these symptoms are not unique and can signal not only anemia, but also other health problems, it is important to see a doctor for a blood test.