🧒🍽️ **Does your child eat मिट्टी, chalk, wall paint, paper or clay repeatedly?** It may not be “just a habit.” It could be **Geophagia**, a type of *Pica*. ⚠️ **What is Geophagia?** Geophagia means eating soil, mud, clay, or non-food substances repeatedly. 🩺 **Possible Reasons** • Iron deficiency anaemia • Zinc deficiency • Nutritional deficiencies • Behavioral or developmental issues 🚨 **Why should parents not ignore it?** It can lead to: • Worm infestation • Stomach infections • Lead poisoning • Poor growth & nutrition ✅ **What Parents Should Do** ✔️ Avoid scolding the child ✔️ Ensure healthy balanced diet ✔️ Maintain hand hygiene ✔️ Consult a paediatrician for evaluation 👩‍⚕️ Early diagnosis can help prevent complications. 📍Healthy children begin with healthy habits. — Dr Ankita Khairkar MBBS, DCH, PGDDN Paediatrician Vedantaa Multi speciality Clinic, Panvel #Geophagia #PicaInChildren #ChildHealth #ParentingTips #KidsHealth #IronDeficiency #HealthyChildren #Pediatrician #VedantaaClinic #ChildNutrition