Is eating paper ok?

[abdheuuuchjc]

My friend eats a sheet of paper a day is this safe?

[Jupiter]

it's really not too harmful, i believe. as long as he doesn't eat too much.....

[Cognizant]

Yes, but it could also be a sign of a deficiency called "Pica". If your friend is eating Paper every day, I think she should check in with her doctor.

[ImCoolBeans]

I'd be more concerned about the bleaches, dyes and glues that are in the piece of paper itself. Pretty gnarly stuff. If he eats it excessively then you should try to explain that those factors can be harmful to his health over an elongated period of time.

[Smeagol]

Just a sheet of paper... well on the outside it seems harmless. As Patrick mentioned above, this can be the start of pica, an eating disorder. People with pica are gastronomically attracted to paper, wood, clay, and other, more harmful 'foods'. Paper, when in your intestine, can also give you small cuts, which in turn can change the consistency and regularity in one's bowel movements. With more frequent bowel movements, food doesn't get absorbed as well as it should, causing malnutrition. So if it's one sheet of paper... it sounds fine, but it could lead to worse things.

[Mortal Coil]

I'd be more concerned about the bleaches, dyes and glues that are in the piece of paper itself. Pretty gnarly stuff. If he eats it excessively then you should try to explain that those factors can be harmful to his health over an elongated period of time.

This^

[KewlKat]

my best friend wouldn't eat it but instead would chew on it, it's an annoying habit...

[Aquila]

I knew a guy who did the same thing. As far as I could tell, the paper itself didnt really do any damage to him, but he developed a strange obsession with eating stuff. He ended up in the hospital after he (accidentally) ate a thumbtack. Long story.

Now, I doubt your friend will have the same problem, but you may want to watch out and make sure he doesn't go any farther then paper. I imagine this is just a phase, and he'll stop eventually.

[Skyhawk]

Is it ok? Hell no!

Do you know how many chemicals are in paper? Google it and tell your friend. :)

[StoppingTime]

Is it ok? Hell no!

Do you know how many chemicals are in paper? Google it and tell your friend. :)

It won't kill you though.

Like Mike said, if he eats it excessively, then I'd talk to him.
I'd check this (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001538.htm) and this (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK255/) out of you'd like.

The second link mentions paper eating causes mercury poisoning, but that was only found it boxes. Anyway, if it gets excessive, I'd tell someone.

[Cognizant]

I knew a guy who did the same thing. As far as I could tell, the paper itself didnt really do any damage to him, but he developed a strange obsession with eating stuff. He ended up in the hospital after he (accidentally) ate a thumbtack. Long story.


That's what happens when you get Pica! I really would have your friend go to the doctor, or it really could severe.

[Dimitri]

If it is Pica your friend needs to go and see their physician... this is out of ours and your hands. Please see a physician.


Pica is a pattern of eating non-food materials (such as dirt or paper).

Causes
Pica is seen more in young children than adults. Between 10 and 32% of children ages 1 - 6 have these behaviors.

Pica can occur during pregnancy. In some cases, conditions due to a lack of certain nutrients, such as iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency, may trigger the unusual cravings. Pica may also occur in adults who crave a certain texture in their mouth.

Symptoms
Children and adults with pica may eat:

Animal feces
Clay
Dirt
Hairballs
Ice
Paint
Sand
This pattern of eating should last at least 1 month to fit the diagnosis of pica.

Exams and Tests
There is no single test that confirms pica. However, because pica can occur in people who have lower than normal nutrient levels and poor nutrition (malnutrition), the health care provider should test blood levels of iron and zinc.

Blood tests can also be done to test for anemia. Lead levels should always be checked in children who may have eaten paint or objects covered in lead-paint dust to screen for lead poisoning.

The health care provider should test for infection if the person has been eating contaminated soil or animal waste.

Treatment
Treatment should first address any missing nutrients or other medical problems, such as lead exposure.

Treatment involves behavioral, environmental, and family educational approaches. Other successful treatments include associating the pica behavior with bad consequences or punishment (mild aversion therapy) followed by positive reinforcement for eating the right foods.

Medications may help reduce the abnormal eating behavior, if pica occurs as part of a developmental disorder such as mental retardation.

Outlook (Prognosis)
Treatment success varies. In many cases, the disorder lasts several months, then disappears on its own. In some cases, it may continue into the teen years or adulthood, especially when it occurs with developmental disorders.

Possible Complications
Bezoar (a mass of undigestible material trapped inside the body, usually in the stomach)
Infection
Intestinal obstruction
Lead poisoning
Malnutrition

When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you notice that a child (or adult) often eats non-food materials.

Prevention
There is no specific prevention. Getting enough nutrition may help.

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001538.htm

[Drew5]

What kind