Why Pica Disorder Affects More Black Women

You may have scrolled through TikTok and stumbled upon a live stream or two, witnessing something peculiar: individuals consuming a powdery, dusty substance. More often than not, this substance is identified as cornstarch or colloquially referred to as “white dirt.” While this behavior might initially resemble a segment from “My Strange Addiction,” it’s clear that within certain online pockets exists a community dedicated to showcasing the consumption of raw cornstarch and other strangely satisfying yet non-edible substances.

Amid the numerous channels and pages where people indulge in eating cornstarch, a common sentiment echoes through the comments: Why is it predominantly Black women ?

Well, Why is it Mostly Black Women Eating Cornstarch?

These TikTok users who showcase themselves consuming cornstarch aren’t engaging in a fleeting challenge; they’re often doing so because they have Pica. Pica is a disorder characterized by cravings for non-edible substances, driven by factors such as texture or nutritional deficiencies like iron.

The notion that “black women mostly eat cornstarch” isn’t attributed to a singular cause. Rather, it intersects with cultural practices and individual preferences that may lead some Black women to consume substances like cornstarch, clay, or ice. This phenomenon isn’t exclusive to Black women but can be influenced by factors such as anemia and iron deficiencies, which are more prevalent in this demographic. Anemia disproportionately affects Black women due to interconnected factors like dietary habits lacking iron-rich foods, limited access to nutritious options influenced by cultural norms, and the significant impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on iron depletion. Genetic factors, including sickle cell disease prevalent in African descent populations, further contribute to chronic anemia. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities and unequal healthcare access often result in delayed diagnosis and inadequate management of anemia among Black women.

In a medical study done at Stanford University, Mary S. Jackson writes “This intergenerational practice of [white] dirt eating is a learned behavior that has little or no known nourishment effect but seems to provide social and psychological benefits. Social benefits – provide an opportunity to socially bond with each other as they enjoy the Pica behavior on the front porch or on the front steps of their home.” Not only is Pica something that is unavoidable, but in the deep south, in parts of Georgia, where “Georgia White Dirt” is sold and extremely accessible, this practice is passed down and learned.

In this study, Jackson continues to write “There is currently no test for Pica, which implies that obtaining a complete social and medical history for the client is extremely important. Examining a pregnant woman’s medical history is extremely important in the treatment process because it is the first step to determine if there are physiological deficiencies of minerals such as iron or zinc.” Jackson implies that this is not only a medical urgency but a psychological one as well.

“Whether the practice of eating clay dirt is categorized as “normal” or abnormal may not be the major issue, but the major issues should be the client’s physical, psychological, and emotional well-being,” Jackson stated.

The prevalence of Pica among those showcasing this behavior highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of Black women’s diverse heath care needs and disorders driven by nutritional deficiencies and texture cravings. Addressing these complex issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes promoting nutrition education, improving healthcare access, which the Black community is often left out of, all while fostering cultural competence in healthcare settings.

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