It also occurs in mentally retarded persons. Pica can occur during pregnancy . In some cases, a specific nutritional deficiency such as iron deficiency anemia can be identified.
Some cases occur in people with severe psychiatric conditions.
In others, no cause can be identified. Adequate nutrition may be helpful. Pica is the eating of non-food substances. Clay, dirt, ice, starch, animal feces, paint, and hairballs are just a few examples of what children with pica have been known to eat. However, since pica is associated with abnormal indexes, and in some cases malnutrition , several tests may be performed.