Pica

Symptoms:

Pica is the eating of non-food substances. Clay, dirt, ice, starch, animal feces, paint, and hairballs are just a few examples of what children with pica have been known to eat.

Signs and tests:

There is no single test that confirms pica. However, since pica is associated with abnormal indexes, and in some cases malnutrition, several tests may be performed. Serum levels of iron and zinc should be taken . Hemoglobin should also be checked to test for anemia.