Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Eating match stick head is due to iron deficiency?

Hi, I started eating match stick heads 3 months back. I used to consume 5-10 match stick heads a day. But in a month I had constant low Blood Pressure and around 99 Fahrenheit temperature. Blood test showed low Rbc count and haemoglobin. I m still taking around 1-2 match stick head in one or two days. I m really working on myself to not take it. I want to ask if this is due to iron deficiency or it is the cause of iron deficiency in me.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Ingesting matchstick heads can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious health problems. The chemicals in matchstick heads, such as potassium chlorate and sulfur, can be toxic and can cause damage to the digestive system and other organs. Consuming matchstick heads can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding in the stomach and intestines.

The symptoms you are describing such as low blood pressure, low red blood cell count, and low hemoglobin levels, as well as low body temperature, can be the result of iron deficiency anemia, which is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce enough healthy red blood cells. The red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

It is likely that the consumption of matchstick heads is the cause of your iron deficiency anemia. The chemicals in matchstick heads can cause damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines, making it difficult for your body to absorb iron from food. It can also lead to blood loss, which can further contribute to anemia.

It's important that you stop consuming matchstick heads immediately, and seek medical attention. Your doctor may recommend blood tests and other diagnostic tests to determine the extent of your anemia and plan the appropriate treatment. This may include taking iron supplements, making dietary changes, and addressing any underlying medical condition that may be contributing to your anemia.
Helpful - 0
20923738 tn?1671110551
you should consult a good doctor. he will help you better in this case.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is a condition known as pica, I think.  You might be doing it for any number of reasons, but mineral deficiency can be one of them.  I don't think iron would be one of them, though.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I am anemic. My iron level is a 6.5, which is very low. Used to eat match heads for years. Have stopped now, thank God.

Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Nutrition Community

Top Healthy Living Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
14 super-healthy foods that are worth the hype
Small changes make a big impact with these easy ways to cut hundreds of calories a day.
Forget the fountain of youth – try flossing instead! Here are 11 surprising ways to live longer.
From STD tests to mammograms, find out which screening tests you need - and when to get them.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.