Do you crunch ice cubes or crave lettuce?

You could be   Iron deficient

Many iron-deficient patients develop pica, an unusual craving for specific foods (ice cubes, lettuce, etc.) that often not even rich in iron.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. The numbers are staggering: as many as 4-5 billion people, 66-80% of the world’s population, may be iron deficient; 2 billion people – over 30% of the world’s population – are anaemic, mainly due to iron deficiency, and in developing countries, frequently exacerbated by malaria and worm infections.

Iron deficiency affects more people than any other condition, constituting a public health condition of epidemic proportions. More subtle in its manifestations than, for example, protein-energy malnutrition, it exacts the heaviest overall toll in terms of ill-health, premature death and lost earnings.

Iron deficiency and anaemia reduce the work capacity of individuals and entire populations, bringing serious economic consequences and obstacles to national development. Conversely, treatment can raise national productivity levels by 20%. 

Overall, it is the most vulnerable, the poorest and the least educated who are disproportionately affected by iron deficiency, and it is they who stand to gain the most by its reduction. 

The symptoms of iron deficiency are those normally associated with anemia itself (easy fatigue, rapid heart rate, palpitations and rapid breathing on exertion.

Severe iron deficiency causes progressive skin and mucosal changes. These include a smooth tongue and brittle nails.

See also lettuce link

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