The act or habit of eating things that are not food is called pica. It occurs most often in children and pregnant women and is usually a temporary condition. People with pica crave and eat non-food items such as dirt, clay, rocks, paper, ice, crayons, hair, paint chips, chalk, eggshells, and even faeces (poop) of any kind. 

The cause of pica can be multifactorial. In some cases, a deficiency in iron, zinc or another nutrient may be associated with pica. People with certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder may develop pica as a coping mechanism. Dieting and malnourishment can both lead to pica. In these cases, eating non-food items may help promote a feeling of fullness.

In children and pregnant women, pica often goes away in a few months without treatment. If a nutritional deficiency is causing pica, treating it should ease the symptoms. But pica can last for years, especially in people who have intellectual disabilities.

Children usually outgrow the pica disorder, especially if they are regularly taught about the difference between edible and non-edible items and objects. If a doctor diagnoses that pica in a child is being caused by nutrient imbalances or deficiency, he/she may prescribe vitamin or mineral supplements. For example, if a child is diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia, the doctor may recommend regular administration of iron supplements.

The doctor may also ask for a psychological evaluation to determine if the child has some mental health condition. Depending on the diagnosis, he/she may prescribe medications or therapy, or both. If a person with pica has an intellectual disability or mental health condition, medications for managing behavioural problems may also help reduce or eliminate his/her desire to eat non-food items.

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