Dietetics expert Dr Barakatun Nisak Yusof said the habit of frequently chewing ice is known as pagophagia, a form of pica, which refers to a compulsive craving for the consumption of non-food items.
“A review of 89 studies from 33 countries found that 22.5% of pica cases involved the habit of chewing ice. The same study also reported that 81% of pica cases occurred alongside anaemia, indicating a strong correlation between the two conditions,” she told Bernama.
Fellow expert Dr Barakatun Nisak noted that many individuals with iron deficiency or anaemia develop an unusual craving for chewing ice, a habit that typically disappears once levels are restored.
“What may seem like a harmless habit could actually indicate a nutritional disorder. While ice itself does not affect the digestive system, its link to pica reflects a more serious underlying health concern,” she said.
Barakatun goes on to explain that pagophagia is one of the indirect symptoms of anaemia, which occurs when the body lacks sufficient haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
“Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, headaches and, in some cases, a strong desire to chew ice,” she highlighted.
She recommends that individuals with this habit undergo blood tests to check haemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, serum iron, and total iron binding capacity to assess iron absorption levels.
“Although there are no official statistics in Malaysia, chewing ice should not be dismissed as a simple habit. It may be an early sign of nutrient deficiency, and the individual should be screened or referred for further examination.
“The most important step is to treat the root cause, not just to substitute the ice. Whether it stems from nutritional deficiency, emotional stress, or compulsive behaviour, the treatment must be holistic,” she said.
Meanwhile, dentistry expert Dr Nor Azlida Nor pointed out that persistent pagophagia can pose risks to dental health.
“If chewing ice is only done occasionally, it does not have serious effects on the teeth. But if it becomes habitual, it can cause tooth sensitivity, wear, and micro-cracks or fractures in the teeth or existing fillings,” she said.
More worryingly, prolonged chewing of hard objects can lead to major cracks or fractures in the teeth that affect the nerves and roots, potentially requiring more complex dental treatment.
“In some cases, it may also affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty moving the jaw,” she added, noting that pagophagia is also linked to eating disorders.
Nur Nadhirah Ali Imran, 26, used to require a glass of plain ice during meals to chew and satisfy her craving. “If I couldn’t have any, I’d feel stressed and unsatisfied,” she recalled.
She eventually decided to quit the habit after learning about the potential health risks. “I’m grateful I haven’t experienced any serious issues so far,” she said.