What Causes Toddlers To Eat Dirt And Paint?

Posted on Thu, 21 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 6 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 2 year old has been trying to eat handfuls of dirt and paint (non-toxic). Should I have him tested to see if his system is lacking anything or is this normal for his age?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This habit is known as pica

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms,

Such habit is known as pica. It is usually associated with Iron/Calcium deficiency. It is totally harmless and majority of the children stop the habit spontaneously.

I would suggest you the following

1. Iron and Calcium supplement
2. Deworm the child with anti-helminthic

Take Care

Best regards
Dr Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCh
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar