TLDR Iron therapy resolved uncooked rice cravings and symptoms in women with iron deficiency.
The document discussed two cases of women with iron deficiency who developed pica for uncooked basmati rice, known as ryzophagia. Both women, from India and Pakistan, experienced symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and abdominal pain, which resolved after intravenous iron treatment. The study highlighted that ryzophagia is associated with iron deficiency and is more prevalent in certain cultural contexts, particularly among non-Europeans and vegetarians. It suggested that low tissue iron levels might trigger pica, although the exact mechanisms were unclear. The aromatic properties of basmati rice may also contribute to its appeal. The study concluded that ryzophagia might be an underreported manifestation of iron deficiency, especially in regions where rice is a staple, and emphasized the need for physicians to inquire about pica when diagnosing iron deficiency.
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