Do you often feel exhausted, have pale skin, or notice your nails becoming brittle? These could be signs that your body is lacking iron—an essential mineral that helps produce haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body.

When iron levels drop, your body struggles to transport oxygen efficiently, leading to fatigue, weakness, and even anaemia. But beyond these common symptoms, there’s one strange craving that could be a clear warning sign of iron deficiency.

A Strange Craving That Signals Iron Deficiency

One of the most bizarre yet common symptoms of iron deficiency is a strong urge to chew ice, a condition known as pagophagia. This falls under a broader disorder called pica, where people crave non-food items like:

Ice
Clay
Paper
Chalk
Even hair

While pica is more commonly seen in children, studies from the National Library of Medicine show that adults with iron deficiency can also experience these unusual cravings—even if they haven’t developed full-blown anaemia yet.

Experts believe that chewing ice may temporarily improve alertness in people with low iron levels, as it increases blood flow to the brain. However, if you constantly crave ice, it's worth checking your iron levels.

Other Signs of Iron Deficiency

While fatigue is the most well-known symptom of low iron, there are many other warning signs you should look out for:

Dizziness or frequent headaches
Cold hands and feet (poor circulation)
Brittle hair and nails
Shortness of breath, even with mild activity
Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations

If you're experiencing these symptoms along with an unusual craving for ice or other non-food substances, it’s time to check your iron levels.

The Hidden Dangers of Eating Non-Food Items

Chewing ice may seem harmless, but pica can pose serious health risks—especially when people consume other non-food substances.

Intestinal Blockages – Non-food items like dirt, chalk, or paper can get stuck in the digestive system, leading to constipation, pain, or even surgery in severe cases.

Poisoning and Toxicity – Eating harmful substances may expose the body to toxins, bacteria, and chemicals, leading to nausea, diarrhoea, and serious health complications.

If you or someone you know has persistent cravings for non-food items, seeking medical advice is crucial to identify any underlying health issues.

What Causes Pica?

The exact cause of pagophagia (ice cravings) in iron-deficient individuals is still being studied. However, Dr. Rajiv K. Pruthi, a medical expert, suggests that pica can also be linked to:

Mental health issues – Stress, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Developmental disorders – Some cases of pica are associated with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities
Nutritional deficiencies – Iron, zinc, or other vitamin deficiencies can trigger unusual cravings

Dr. Pruthi emphasizes that if pica symptoms persist, a medical evaluation is necessary. In cases where pica is related to psychological conditions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment.

How to Improve Your Iron Levels Naturally

If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency, increasing your iron intake through diet or supplements can help restore healthy levels.

Best Iron-Rich Foods

Leafy greens – Spinach, kale, Swiss chard
Legumes & beans – Lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans
Lean meats – Beef, chicken, turkey
Iron-fortified grains – Whole wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa
Egg yolks – A good source of easily absorbable iron
Vitamin C-rich foods – Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers (help absorb iron better!)

Tip: To boost iron absorption, pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (like having orange juice with your spinach salad).

When to See a Doctor

If you find yourself constantly craving ice or other non-food items, it’s best to consult a doctor. A simple blood test can determine whether you have iron deficiency.

Early treatment can prevent serious health problems like severe anaemia, heart complications, and developmental issues.

Listen to your body—sometimes, even the strangest cravings are warning signs that your health needs attention!