Is it pica or not?

My niece is 4 years old. I watched her from 3 mths until she was just over 2 yrs. At about the age of 1 she would put things in her mouth. ( pennies, pencils, anything she could climb and get) I thought this was just something some kids do. My 3 children never did this, but all kids are different. While talking to my sister about 6 mths ago she was telling me that my niece is extremely hyper to the point that she will stand and spin till she makes herself sick and she still puts everything in her mouth. About a month ago she climbed onto the top of their fridge and took prescription meds. She gets into the tub of butter and eats it by the handfuls and she gets into the salt shaker. Last week she got into the garlic salt and yesterday she was found with a blood sugar tester in her mouth. She puts anything in her mouth and she is still hyper. She eats regular food but doesn't like meat except chicken nuggets. My sister doesn't seem concerned but I am. She is now continually chewing on her comforter. Please give me some insight of what this could possibly be.

[Renee Radenberg]

There is an eating disorder called 'Pica' which children and adults eat non-food objects. Pica occurs more frequently with children. The causes of Pica are unknown, however, certain situations may increase the risk to it such as nutritional deficiencies of iron or zinc (the nonfood items craved usually do not supple the minerals lacking in the body), malnutrition (seen in underdeveloped countries where people will eat clay or soil), development problems (mental disabilities, and autism) and mental health conditions (obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia). Children at that age do put all types of items in their mouth; however, they do not usually eat them. Consumption of some non-food object maybe harmless, however, Pica is considered a serious eating disorder that may result in serious health issues such as lead poisoning and iron deficiency anemia. I am not saying she has Pica, but I do suggest she be seen by her MD and get checked.