Question

In addition to symptoms of anemia, iron deficiency also presents with pica and koilonychia (spoon nails). What is pica?

1) Cravings for ice
2) Consumption of non-food substances
3) Spoon nails
4) Symptoms of anemia

Answer 1

Pica is the consumption of non-food substances and is often seen in individuals with iron deficiency anemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pica is the consumption of non-food substances. It is a symptom often seen in individuals with iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can cause cravings for non-food items like dirt, clay, ice, or starch. This behavior is called pica, and it is believed to be associated with the body's attempt to gain missing nutrients.