You might be worried about her unusual eating habits but it is probably just a mineral deficiency. In fact, it is a disorder called Pica.

You need to identify the problem and slowly help her get rid of it.

Paediatrician Dr. Priti Parikh, states that Pica is a disorder that is usually seen in young children and rarely, in some older people also. If your little one has been eating non-food items, for more than a month, then she most likely has Pica.

Very often kids also eat raw food ingredients such as:

• Cornstarch
• Baking soda
• Coffee
• Flour

Why It Happens?

According to Dr. Parikh, is caused due to deficiencies such as calcium, iron and zinc. This usually occurs in kids between the ages of one and three years.

After this, a child's diet is more regulated and the deficiencies decrease. Along with it, so do the cravings for non-food items.

Risky Business

Eating non-food items is not necessarily poisonous unless the item your little one is gulping down is toxic or contaminated.

However, eating this over a long period can cause medical problems like brain damage due to lead poisoning, gastro-intestinal blockage as well as parasite consumption from dirt and mud.

Fix It!

Dr. Parikh says that diet is the best way to get rid of these bad eating habits. Make sure that your little one is getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins.

Apart from that, your child might also be doing this to grab your attention. She might be having trouble with friends or even relatives. Talk to her and try to find out what is bothering her.

Punishing and scolding won't work. You need to understand, that this habit will wear out. So be patient with her.

According to Dr. Parikh, however, if you continue to scold her, or if she is faced with excessive taunts from her peer group, she might just suppress her current habit. But this could translate into other long term-problems like nail biting or bed wetting. So it is best to help her deal with Pica first.

Pica is rare for children who are above the age of four or five years. So, if your child continues to eat non-food items, take her to your nearest paediatrician.