Pica can have serious consequences. Examples include:
• Poisoning, such as lead poisoning from eating chips of old paint or soil that has old paint in it.
• Obstruction of the bowel or airways from consuming or choking on indigestible materials such as hair.
• Obesity from consuming too many calories, such as eating laundry starch.
• Inadequate protein or energy—intake from consuming things like coffee grounds or oyster shells in place of real food.
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as the interference of soil with the absorption of iron, zinc, and potassium in the digestive system.
• Damage to teeth and gums from chewing abrasive materials such as twigs or metals.
• Infestations of parasites such as tapeworms resulting from consuming dirt or feces.
• High blood pressure, high levels of sodium salts in the blood, and abnormal liver functions such as those resulting from consuming large quantities of baking powder.
• Low birth weight, premature birth, mental and physical abnormalities among infants whose mothers practice pica during pregnancy.