Whether you take ice cubes out of the freezer or enjoy them while drinking an iced beverage, chewing and sucking on ice cubes is a common habit. This simple habit is brushed off as a quirky trait, but a strong, constant craving could be a sign of an underlying health issue that deserves attention.
A persistent craving for ice may give you clues about a deficiency. Dr Kumar linked this habit, known as pagophagia, to iron deficiency anaemia , while noting that the exact reason behind the craving remains unclear. He elaborated, “Ice cube chewing can be associated with iron deficiency anaemia even if the person doesn’t have obvious symptoms like weakness or paleness. So, if you or someone you know has developed a strong habit of chewing ice, it’s worth talking to a hematologist and checking the blood count and iron levels. Treating the underlying iron deficiency anaemia usually makes the craving go away.”
