Anemia - ice chewing

[BevWeid]

Hello! My doctor thinks my anemia is caused by chewing ice. Has anyone ever heard of this? I am cutting way back but it has been such a habit that I slip sometimes without thinking. I am in my late 50's and seem to need to take iron every day to keep my levels up. I dont want to do this. We have ruled out all other causes and now she wants to do a bone marrow test. I dont want to do this either. Has anyone out there any knowledge about the ice connection? Could chewing just a little cause anemia? Thank you for any replies.

[mom003]

I have been anemic since I was 17 years old. I am now 38, and have lived on iron pills.

I have always been told by my doctor that ice chewing is a symptom of anemia and not a cause. As I take my iron pills, I find that I stop chewing ice.

Let me know how your anemia goes after you take your pills, take care.

[Theresa]

Yes i have heard of ice chewing as a symptom of anemia. It does not cause anemia but is i believe your bodies way of telling you that you are anemic. Iron supplements usually correct this problem. I have also heard of pain in the calves of your legs when you are anemic.
good luck!

[KarenZee]

I've never heard of this. Why chewing ice? What explaination does the doctor give for why the body needs ice when you are anemic....it's just frozen water. I don't understand why or what makes you want to chew ice? If there isn't ice in the house, do you go out and buy ice?

Do you know what has caused your anemia? I have iron deficiency anemia now from bleeding from GI problems. I am just very tired all the time. I don't have any desire or compulsion to chew ice. I probably don't have the energy to chew it!

Tell me more.
Karen

I remember reading about this in my nutrition book. The ice chewing doesn't cause anemia. If a person is anemic they may eat non-food substances. The book talked about anemics consuming ice or chalk!

I'm anemic (currently below the borderline) and am taking the Rx iron pills till I get back within range. I've never had the urge to chew ice.

I wonder though... my sister chews ice all the time... I may suggest she go get her iron levels checked out.

~ Anna

Hi, I am an ex ice chewer with anemia. My Doctor told me I was in need of the fluid. I know that I just wanted the ice and had to have it (in large quantities) I made my own that were sweet - I think I was trying to get energy from the sugar also. If I couldn't have my ice, ordinary ice was almost as good. Once my iron levels improved, I lost the craving.
I have read that this craving is not unusual with anemia and it was noted that people will crave odd things including dirt. At least our craving kept us well hydrated and wasn't too extreme. It's only water. It would be hard to explain dirt sandwiches for lunch.

Iron-deficiency anemia can cause swelling in the gums and stomach. It is thought that chewing ice can help alleviate some of this swelling. Your body knows! Although, your dentist would probably disagree with the ice chewing habit, as many people break teeth and damage gums from chewing ice, so be careful.

i'm 17 now, and i've been anemic since i was 12 i just can't get enough of chewing ice, it tasted so good! i use take iron pills when i was 12 but ran out and havent took any since. sometimes i feel fine and i think i'm ok, the next day my heart is racing and i can't stand up. its bad i know i need to stop chewing but it helps me release my anger and makes me feel relaxed.

Chewing ice is a definite symptom of anemia. BUT more importantly you may have a big problem than low blood counts. There are several causes of anemia and YOU MUST SEEK MEDICAL HELP. If you have cravings for ice then you are certainly anemic. Anemia can be caused by a tumor, gastric blood loss or a variety of things that require medical attention.

I am having a scope done (endoscopy and colonoscopy) after telling my doctor I was eating ice and they discovered I was anemic. They are looking for colon cancer, tumors or blood loss (perferations...ulcers).

Chewing ice is scary to me now.

[ljrcsr]

my son is anemic and his hematologist told him that the ice chewing was a SYMPTOM if anemia, not the cause.