Amylophagia

Purified starch: Cornstarch

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 and continue to eat it for at least one month.

Causes

Amylophagia arises from a combination of biochemical, haematological, psychological, psychopathological and cultural factors.^[1] Many say that they are physiologically compelled to eat starch, and starchy things, because enjoy the taste, texture or smell^[2] while others say that it helps relieve stress and makes them feel calmer. It has also been said that it may be the result of a nutritional deficiency. Although the cause of Amylophagia is still unknown a number of these factors may contribute to its development.

Commonly Affected

Those who are most commonly affected include pregnant woman, developmental disabilities, young children, people with poor nutrition status and certain cultural backgrounds.^[3]

Health Risks

The health risks associated with Amylophagia include hyperglycemia, malnutrition and anemia. High blood sugar is the most common result from the consumption of pure starch because of the high level of carbohydrates which are broken down into sugar in the body. There is 35 calories in 1 tablespoon of 100% pure cornstarch with no nutrients and 100% of the calories being from carbohydrates.^[4] The consumption of purified starch provides a high caloric intake with little nutritional value which leads to malnutrition and weight gain. Malnutrition can cause iron deficiency anemia if not enough iron is being absorbed to transport sufficient oxygen to the body. Additionally starch can build up in the gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage.

During Pregnancy

Amylophagia during pregnancy results in similar characteristics to that of gestational diabetes and is often misdiagnosed. After the consumption of large amounts of starch blood glucose levels reach well above the normal level of 5-8mmol/L for someone two hours after they have eaten a meal.^[5] Levels above this normal range can lead to high birth weight that can result in complications during delivery and low blood sugar levels in the new born which also can lead to health risks.^[6]

Treatment

Treatment of Amylophagia begins with treatment of the underlying health factors. It often includes nutritional awareness, dietary planning, psychological counselling, and sometimes medication.^[3] Treatment of nutritional deficiency may cause cravings to stop and Amylophagia to be treated, but it is often not this easy.

References

1. ^ Jackson, Clay W.; Martin, John P. (2000). "Amylophagia Presenting as Gestational Diabetes". Archives of Family Medicine 9 (7): 649–52. doi:10.1001/archfami.9.7.649. PMID 10910314. http://archfami.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/9/7/649. Retrieved 2006-09-13. 
2. ^ Rose,, Edward A.; Porcerelli, John H., Neale, Anne V. (1). "Pica: Common but Commonly Missed". Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 13 (5): 353–358. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/405804. Retrieved 11 November 2011. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Fallon, Jr. L. Fleming. "Pica". Encyclopedia of Children's Health. http://www.healthofchildren.com/P/Pica.html. Retrieved 11 November 2011. 
4. ^ "100% pure corn starch no name". Demand Media, Inc.. http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/no-name-superstore/10025-pure-corn-starch/. Retrieved 11 November 2011. 
5. ^ "Canadian Diabetes Care guide". http://www.diabetescareguide.com/en/monitoring.html. Retrieved 11 November 2011. 
6. ^ USCF Medical Center. "Diabetes in Pregnancy". university of california san francisco. http://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/diabetes_in_pregnancy/index.html. Retrieved 11 November 2011.