Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Am I Craving Ice?Ice-Eating ComplicationsDiagnosisTreatment Options
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Am I Craving Ice?
Ice-Eating Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment Options
Occasionally, chewing on an ice cube from a cold drink isn’t typically a problem. It may even help providenecessary hydration, particularly during warm weather.
However, frequently craving and consuming ice may indicate an underlying health issue and potentially lead to dental, mental health, or nutritional complications.
This article discusses eating ice cubes, the possible causes of experiencing ice cravings, and available treatment options.
yamasan / Getty Images
There are various reasons why you may be experiencing a craving for or a compulsion to eat ice.
Dehydration
Dehydrationoccurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in.This can lead to feeling thirsty and craving ice, which may be because dehydration can dry the mouth, tongue, and lips.
While sucking on an ice cube may be helpful every once in a while to rehydrate andregulate body temperature, it’s best to make sure you’re getting enough fluids in the first place. Other signs of dehydration include headache, fatigue, anddarker-colored urine.
Nutritional Problems
Some research suggests that ice cravings may be the result ofnutritional deficiencies. While there’s already evidence of iron deficiency and having an ice-chewing compulsion, experts are still studying this potential link between the intake of other nutrients and the desire to eat ice.
Studies suggest that craving ice could be the body’s attempt to increase nutrients due to azincorcalciumdeficiency. These minerals are essential for overall health but may interact with iron in nutrient absorption.
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Iron Deficiency Anemia
Ironsupports the production of healthy red blood cells in the body. A lack of iron causes a drop inred blood cells, known asiron deficiency anemia.
Some people with iron deficiency also experience sudden ice cravings that intensify when iron levels deplete. In addition to experiencing a compulsion to eat ice, othersigns of iron deficiency anemiaare:
Pregnancy, Menstruation, and Breastfeeding
Iron deficiency can also happen as a result of blood loss. Researchers theorize that this may be why ice cravings are seen in people who arepregnant,menstrual cycles, orbreastfeeding.
During pregnancy and postpartum, including the breastfeeding phase,anemiais more likely to happen.Blood lossthat occurs during heavy menstruation cycles may also trigger an anemic response.
11 Surprising Signs You Are Not Getting Enough Nutrients (and If You’re at Risk)
Pica
Picais a disorder that leads to the excessiveeating of nonfood itemsor non-nutritional substances, including ice.
When ice is involved, it’s referred to aspagophagia. This abnormal eating pattern can result in consuming at least a tray of ice cubes daily, and the ice-eating episodes may worsen when stressed.
There’s not one specific cause of pagophagia. Research suggests that it can be related to iron deficiency anemia or mental health conditions, likedepressive disorder.
Emotional Stress
Studies show that ice cravings may become uncontrollable when triggered in response to chronic orextreme stress. This can occur as part of a mental health condition, likeobsessive compulsive disorder(OCD), or it could happen without a personal or family history of mental illness.
Can Eating Ice Cause Complications?
Eating ice isn’t necessarily considered dangerous. However, it could cause complications.
Dietary Problems
Other than providing some hydration, ice, unlike food, has nonutritional value. This is why eating a lot of ice long term in place of other foods and drinks can lead to dietary issues.
When anemia and ice-craving coincide, the body may not get enough iron (and potentially other nutrients) to function correctly. When ice-eating is a form of coping with stress or mental health issues, the ice could replace nutrient-rich snacks or other foods, impacting the diet and overall health.
Dental and Oral Issues
Even though ice melts, chewing on it habitually can still lead to issues like tooth damage,tooth pain, andincreased cold sensitivity.
Anemia Complications
If ice cravings result from iron deficiency anemia and are left untreated, there arepotential complications. In addition to fatigue and headache, there is also the chance of developing heart problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays (in children). Iron deficiency anemia can also impact other underlying health conditions, making them worse or interfering with treatment.
Other Pica Complications
Complications of pica may also occur if compulsive ice-eating isn’t treated. Pica disorders can lead to malnutrition, even if regular nutrient-filled foods are consumed, too.
How Is the Cause of Craving Ice Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider can help diagnose the underlying condition related to ice cravings. Experts recommend a medical appointment if your ice cravings and consumption are substantial and have lasted longer than a month.
After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam will be performed. If iron deficiency anemia or another deficiency or condition is suspected, blood tests and other lab work may be ordered.
Treatment Options for Eating Ice
Some mild cases of eating ice are temporary and will resolve on their own. For other cases, treatment plans will depend on the underlying cause of the ice craving. Working with a healthcare provider can help avoid undesired or severe ice-eating behaviors.
People diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia may be prescribediron supplementsto help reverse the deficiency. If pica is related to a mental health condition, a combination ofpsychotherapyand prescription medications may be recommended.
Summary
The urge to suck on a few pieces of ice every so often typically isn’t a cause for alarm. But if cravings to chew on ice feel compulsive or last longer than a month, experts recommend checking with a healthcare provider to determine the root cause of the issue.
Possible causes include iron deficiency anemia, nutritional imbalances, a mental health condition, and more. Treatment options like iron supplements or behavioral talk therapy may be suggested. A dental healthcare provider can recommend tooth restoration if oral health is impacted.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dehydration. December 29, 2023.Hunt MG, Belfer S, Atuahene B.Pagophagia improves neuropsychological processing speed in iron-deficiency anemia.Med Hypoth. 2014;83(4):474-476. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2014.07.016Jayalakshmi S, Platel K.Supplemental levels of iron and calcium interfere with repletion of zinc status in zinc-deficient animals.Food Funct. 2016 May 18;7(5):2288-93. doi:10.1039/c6fo00134cRabel A, Leitman SF, Miller JL.Ask about ice, then consider iron.J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2016;28(2):116-20. doi:10.1002/2327-6924.12268MedlinePlus.Iron deficiency anemia. April 18, 2023.Khalafallah AA, Dennis AE.Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy and postpartum: pathophysiology and effect of oral versus intravenous iron therapy.J Pregnancy. 2012;2012:630519. doi:10.1155/2012/630519American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding. June 2022.MedlinePlus.Pica. April 30, 2022.Bhatia MS, Kaur N.Pagophagia - a common but rarely reported form of pica.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Jan;8(1):195-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/6829.3959Mehra A, Sharma N, Grover S, et al.Pagophagia in a female with recurrent depressive disorder: A case report with review of literature.Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 2018 Summer;29(2):143-145.Uchida T, Kawati Y.Pagophagia in iron deficiency anemia.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2014;55(4):436-9.University of Utah Health.Love chewing ice? It’s not good for your teeth. June 22, 2023.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia. March 24, 2022.Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: Patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020 Jul 21;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330Klein DA, Sylvester JE, Schvey NA.Eating disorders in primary care: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician.2021;103(1):22-32.Nemours Kids Health.What is pica?. September 2023.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Dehydration. December 29, 2023.Hunt MG, Belfer S, Atuahene B.Pagophagia improves neuropsychological processing speed in iron-deficiency anemia.Med Hypoth. 2014;83(4):474-476. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2014.07.016Jayalakshmi S, Platel K.Supplemental levels of iron and calcium interfere with repletion of zinc status in zinc-deficient animals.Food Funct. 2016 May 18;7(5):2288-93. doi:10.1039/c6fo00134cRabel A, Leitman SF, Miller JL.Ask about ice, then consider iron.J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2016;28(2):116-20. doi:10.1002/2327-6924.12268MedlinePlus.Iron deficiency anemia. April 18, 2023.Khalafallah AA, Dennis AE.Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy and postpartum: pathophysiology and effect of oral versus intravenous iron therapy.J Pregnancy. 2012;2012:630519. doi:10.1155/2012/630519American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding. June 2022.MedlinePlus.Pica. April 30, 2022.Bhatia MS, Kaur N.Pagophagia - a common but rarely reported form of pica.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Jan;8(1):195-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/6829.3959Mehra A, Sharma N, Grover S, et al.Pagophagia in a female with recurrent depressive disorder: A case report with review of literature.Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 2018 Summer;29(2):143-145.Uchida T, Kawati Y.Pagophagia in iron deficiency anemia.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2014;55(4):436-9.University of Utah Health.Love chewing ice? It’s not good for your teeth. June 22, 2023.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia. March 24, 2022.Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: Patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020 Jul 21;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330Klein DA, Sylvester JE, Schvey NA.Eating disorders in primary care: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician.2021;103(1):22-32.Nemours Kids Health.What is pica?. September 2023.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Dehydration. December 29, 2023.Hunt MG, Belfer S, Atuahene B.Pagophagia improves neuropsychological processing speed in iron-deficiency anemia.Med Hypoth. 2014;83(4):474-476. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2014.07.016Jayalakshmi S, Platel K.Supplemental levels of iron and calcium interfere with repletion of zinc status in zinc-deficient animals.Food Funct. 2016 May 18;7(5):2288-93. doi:10.1039/c6fo00134cRabel A, Leitman SF, Miller JL.Ask about ice, then consider iron.J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2016;28(2):116-20. doi:10.1002/2327-6924.12268MedlinePlus.Iron deficiency anemia. April 18, 2023.Khalafallah AA, Dennis AE.Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy and postpartum: pathophysiology and effect of oral versus intravenous iron therapy.J Pregnancy. 2012;2012:630519. doi:10.1155/2012/630519American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding. June 2022.MedlinePlus.Pica. April 30, 2022.Bhatia MS, Kaur N.Pagophagia - a common but rarely reported form of pica.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Jan;8(1):195-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/6829.3959Mehra A, Sharma N, Grover S, et al.Pagophagia in a female with recurrent depressive disorder: A case report with review of literature.Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 2018 Summer;29(2):143-145.Uchida T, Kawati Y.Pagophagia in iron deficiency anemia.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2014;55(4):436-9.University of Utah Health.Love chewing ice? It’s not good for your teeth. June 22, 2023.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia. March 24, 2022.Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: Patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020 Jul 21;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330Klein DA, Sylvester JE, Schvey NA.Eating disorders in primary care: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician.2021;103(1):22-32.Nemours Kids Health.What is pica?. September 2023.
MedlinePlus.Dehydration. December 29, 2023.
Hunt MG, Belfer S, Atuahene B.Pagophagia improves neuropsychological processing speed in iron-deficiency anemia.Med Hypoth. 2014;83(4):474-476. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2014.07.016
Jayalakshmi S, Platel K.Supplemental levels of iron and calcium interfere with repletion of zinc status in zinc-deficient animals.Food Funct. 2016 May 18;7(5):2288-93. doi:10.1039/c6fo00134c
Rabel A, Leitman SF, Miller JL.Ask about ice, then consider iron.J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2016;28(2):116-20. doi:10.1002/2327-6924.12268
MedlinePlus.Iron deficiency anemia. April 18, 2023.
Khalafallah AA, Dennis AE.Iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy and postpartum: pathophysiology and effect of oral versus intravenous iron therapy.J Pregnancy. 2012;2012:630519. doi:10.1155/2012/630519
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Heavy menstrual bleeding. June 2022.
MedlinePlus.Pica. April 30, 2022.
Bhatia MS, Kaur N.Pagophagia - a common but rarely reported form of pica.J Clin Diagn Res. 2014 Jan;8(1):195-6. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2014/6829.3959
Mehra A, Sharma N, Grover S, et al.Pagophagia in a female with recurrent depressive disorder: A case report with review of literature.Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 2018 Summer;29(2):143-145.
Uchida T, Kawati Y.Pagophagia in iron deficiency anemia.Rinsho Ketsueki. 2014;55(4):436-9.
University of Utah Health.Love chewing ice? It’s not good for your teeth. June 22, 2023.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Iron-deficiency anemia. March 24, 2022.
Bedanie G, Tikue A, Thongtan T, Zitun M, Nugent K.Pica/pagophagia-associated hyponatremia: Patient presenting with seizure.Cureus. 2020 Jul 21;12(7):e9330. doi:10.7759/cureus.9330
Klein DA, Sylvester JE, Schvey NA.Eating disorders in primary care: Diagnosis and management.Am Fam Physician.2021;103(1):22-32.
Nemours Kids Health.What is pica?. September 2023.
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