What is Pica?

Pica is an eating disorder that causes a person to develop a persistent craving to consume non-food items that offer little or no nutritional value.

Someone diagnosed with pica may eat washing powder, clay, dirt, metal, paper, animal faeces, paint, or hair.

The exact cause of pica is unknown but it is known to present in some children, people with mental health issues and pregnant women.

The unusual disorder can sometimes be linked to an iron or zinc deficiency.