Amylophagia

Amylophagia is a condition involving the compulsive consumption of excessive amounts of purified starch. It is a form of pica and is often observed in pregnant women. Amylophagia is distinct from a traditional diet containing a great deal of starchy staples such as potatoes, rice etc. In this condition, patients feel a compulsion to consume refined starch such as cornstarch.

Amylophagia's origins are complex, arising from a combination of biochemical, hematological, psychological, and cultural factors. In women, it can be an often-overlooked etiologic factor in gestational diabetes.

References

• Jackson, W. Clay; Martin, John P. (2000). "Amylophagia Presenting as Gestational Diabetes". Archives of Family Medicine 9 (7): 649. doi:10.1001/archfami.9.7.649. PMID 10910314. http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/7/649. Retrieved on 2006-09-13. 

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