Many people chew ice during hot summer days to cool off, but this seemingly harmless habit may actually signal a health issue. Pediatric ER physician Dr. Wu Chang-Teng shared on Facebook that an uncontrollable craving for ice could be the body sending an urgent warning.
Dr. Wu recounted a case involving a young office worker, Xiao Chen, who had been feeling unusually fatigued for several months. He struggled with low energy, poor work efficiency, and even climbing a few flights of stairs left him short of breath.
Alongside his fatigue, Xiao Chen developed a daily habit of chewing multiple cups of ice. He enjoyed the crisp sound and cold sensation, never suspecting it could be linked to his health. After noticing how his exhaustion affected his job performance, he sought medical help. Blood tests revealed that he was suffering from severe iron-deficiency anemia.
Dr. Wu explained, “Craving ice, known as pagophagia, is a common symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. It is a type of pica, which refers to a persistent desire to eat non-food substances.” Although ice contains no iron itself, the urge to chew it is the body’s way of signaling a need for iron.
Medical research shows that once iron levels are restored through treatment and supplementation, this craving usually diminishes or disappears. Dr. Wu advises anyone experiencing uncontrollable ice cravings to inform their doctor, as it can aid in early diagnosis and treatment. “The body’s cravings are a form of communication,” he emphasized.
