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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Cravings For Chalk?

I am having a serious craving for chalk. Can t stop eating it. I know it s harmful. I have two cups of milk everyday so there is no calcium or iron deficiency as I eat a lot of green vegetable as well. I am a cheerful teenager with absolutely no behavioural problems as well. Why is this happening and how can I stop it?
posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2015
Twitter Wed, 25 Jun 2014 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 24 Apr 2020 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,

You are correct regarding the fact that eating chalk is harmful.
Chalk as well as slate pencils contains calcium carbonate which if taken in excessive amount can cause stone formation in kidneys.
The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like chalk, slate pencils) is known as Pica.
It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia.

Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis.
Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations.
There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations.
Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

Your weight will also improve with all these measures.
So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation.
Wishing you a good health.
Take care.
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What Causes Cravings For Chalk?

Hello dear, You are correct regarding the fact that eating chalk is harmful. Chalk as well as slate pencils contains calcium carbonate which if taken in excessive amount can cause stone formation in kidneys. The continuous craving for eating inedible substances (like chalk, slate pencils) is known as Pica. It is one of the features of Iron deficiency anemia. Investigations like complete blood count & peripheral blood smear will be helpful in clinching the diagnosis. Based on the reports, management will include administration of supplemental Iron & Folic acid preparations. There can be associated factors like hookworm infection which needs to be managed with Albendazole preparations. Also you need to take a healthy balanced diet rich in green leafy vegetables. Your weight will also improve with all these measures. So, kindly consult your General Physician for proper clinical evaluation. Wishing you a good health. Take care.