Pagopica and anemia

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I just learned that word, pagopica, which describes the craving for chewing ice. I have recently, within the last three months or so, become a pagopicic.?. I love word play. Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone has heard of this or had experiences with chewing ice as a symptom of anemia. I was told by a coworker that I should have my iron levels checked out so I looked it up online, and, sure enough, chewing ice is a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Who knew.

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I just learned that word, pagopica, which describes the craving for chewing ice. I have recently, within the last three months or so, become a pagopicic.?. I love word play. Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone has heard of this or had experiences with chewing ice as a symptom of anemia. I was told by a coworker that I should have my iron levels checked out so I looked it up online, and, sure enough, chewing ice is a symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Who knew.

yup, think they taught us that in NS....

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Specializes in Obs.

I never knew the word, but did know about the ice cravings and its association with anemia. I work L&D, and I've noted a lot of women that crave ice will have low hemoglobin.

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Specializes in cardiac, oncology.

Yeah, when my dad would chew ice, my mom would take him to doctor and sure enough he would get a blood transfusion.

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This is a touchy subject with docs though. Mine PCP and my OBGYN have told me repeatedly that chewing ice has nothing to do with being anemic. Personally, I can tell when I need more iron in my diet by how much ice I crave. I love to chew on ice, but when its constant and I don't leave the house without a huge cup full I know its time to up the intake.

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