I've heard the theory of Pica being from a nutrient deficiency.  I've read
about Pica being cultural.  From the few moms I've met who admitted to
eating laundry starch or clay or dirt, they had no documented nutrient
deficiency, except for maybe mild anemia and we all know that could be from
the pica or before the pica.
        If moms are open enough to tell me about it, I believe they are telling me
the truth when they say they can cut back on or quit the behavior.  I guess
the extent of the pica would be a factor in level of concern.  Does mom
take a prenatal vitamin?  When she craves starch is she willing to replace
with another starchy food?  Does she have a nutrient deficiency that needs
treatment? (most commonly iron)
        As for breastfeeding, it would appear that most cows are probably guilty
of some pica and soybeans grow in the dirt so they are guilty as well.  I'd
say formulas with their nutrient deficiencies and their "pica bent" cow or
soybean base would be far less preferrable than milk from a human who ate
some dirt.
        "Everyone needs to eat a pound of dirt before they die."  A saying from
our Michigan based family that I thought you couldn't live without.    :-)
Jill Lund, RD, MS
St. Louis, Missouri WIC


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