PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Several hypotheses exist about why iron deficiency causes pica, including physiological mechanisms; however, there is no single agreed upon explanation [1, 4]. Pica has been linked to factors of age, gender, religion, culture, nutritional deficiency, stress, and mental development [4].

Detailed explanation-2: -The compulsive craving and consumption of non-food substances, known as pica, is a well-documented symptom associated with iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Olfactory cravings associated with IDA are a recently described phenomenon known as desiderosmia.

Detailed explanation-3: -Women of childbearing age are at higher risk for iron-deficiency anemia because of blood loss during their monthly periods. About 1 in 5 women of childbearing age has iron-deficiency anemia. Pregnant women also are at higher risk for the condition because they need twice as much iron as usual.