To Anna (Frankfurt Germany). I think the child has become allergic to cow's milk. This has resulted in the constipation and no doubt periods of discomfort. Many cannot drink any type of milk past about 18 months of age without resulting intestinal discomfort. Please try to gradually replace milk intake with diluted mild raw fruit juices and puree.

I've read that children who lick non-food items are vitamin deficient. The trick is, to determine which vitamin they're deficient in. Based on what I've read, I would start with A, D and Folic Acid. Maybe try them one at a time to see if one specific vitamin does the trick?

It could also be a related side effect of the deficiency. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause a decreased sense of smell. Little ones with this deficiency might develop a licking habit to compensate for the loss of smell.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

Was the molasses you used Blackstrap molasses? Regular molasses doesn't have the nutrients and iron that blackstrap does. Is your daughter developing normally otherwise? Sometimes other developmental problems accompany pica. Did the pica start after she was weaned from breastmilk? Had she had any other health problems? Does she eat a variety of nutrient dense foods? Strong nettle tea has a lot of nutrients. A few ounces a day would be something I might try. Adding 1/4 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar to a glass of juice each day would be something else I might try.

Let me know how she does! ~Mama to Many~

First of all thank you so much Ji, Mama to many, Liz for replying me so early and nicely.

I do appreciate your helpful suggestions. I would like to answer some questions of Mama to many. I gave her blackstrap molasses one teaspoon daily. Today was her annual checkup, with the grace of God everything was perfect, height, weight, language skills and etc.

She is growing normal and very intelligent girl. Yes the pica started after she was weaned from breastfeeding.I had to stop breastfeeding because I got pregnant with another fairy.She is now four months old and breastfeeding. The answer of your last question is that she eats selected foods like meat, potatoes, apples, banana, tomatoes, yoghurt and milk but much better than her elder sister who eats only meat, bread, eggs, carrots, yogurt and drinks milk.she is three and half years old.You can say I had three children in four years.So much stress can't give time to help them develop healthy eating habits, mostly both are growing on milk. I will try your suggestion of nettle tea and ACV.I am seeing a little bit improvement in her after adding honey in her milk and giving direct with spoon.The time period of licking has been decreased by adding honey in her diet. Thanks once again for taking your time.I will inform you her further improvement after trying nettle tea and ACV.

PS.I am also taking one tablespoon molasses for iron defficiency.I am feeling much better by taking molasses because in the last pregnancy I was again anemic. Today during her annual checkup I asked her doctor about her pica and her answer was that there is no cure and medicine for this situation. How sad??

Don't be discouraged with the "no cure" statement.

She's not eating the paper, so she technically doesn't have Pica at this point. The licking isn't all that uncommon--particularly in little ones her age.

Some same-aged children even lick people! :) I used to care for a 3-year-old who licked everyone. It was just a phase...she outgrew it eventually. And there's a chance your little one will outgrow her licking issues as well.

Please try not to worry too much at this juncture. She's still a wee thing and perhaps between vitamin supplementation and/or maturation, she'll be just fine!

Dear Anna,

So happy to hear the good report on her health from the doctor. Also wonderful that you are seeing some improvement with adding honey to her diet. Good intuition on your part!

Yes, it is sad that the doctor says there is not cure, and here you are curing it. Unfortunately, often a doctor says there is no cure when he knows no cure. But really, we cannot know for sure there is "no cure" for any particular ailment. Logic demands that every possible thing must be tried first before "no cure" can be accurately stated. We never exhaust all of the options though we may become discouraged in the process and stop trying....

Thanks for the update and do keep us posted!

~Mama to Many~

Dear MtM,

Could this indicate a zinc deficiency? Anna indicates she tried molasses. I haven't compared but doesn't BSM have minerals that the plain does not? Introducing the BSM in milk at this age may be beneficial because of the distinct taste. Adding some pure powdered cocoa and/or vanilla has been suggested. I just purchased some cocoa from Penzeys that is very good.

I was just trying to review some recent posts and saw this post...I hope you don't mind my invasion...

Dear Kt,

Seems that Pica is usually caused by nutritional deficiencies, including low zinc, though it could be other nutrients, or even a combination. And yes, Blackstrap Molasses does have zinc and many other nutrients--such an amazing way to get your vitamins! Cocoa and vanilla sound like great things to add to Blackstrap and milk. Adding it to kefir would be another option that would be easier to digest for many people and give the benefit of the probiotics.

~Mama to Many~