Iron and Vitamin B-12 Deficiency, Pica Syndrome
The body loses its ability to synthesize the protein called hemoglobin without enough iron or vitamin B-12. Hemoglobin contains high levels of iron which gives blood its red color. Therefore, without sufficient hemoglobin, the red blood cells cannot function properly. Hemoglobin [5] aids binding of oxygen to the cells so they can carry it to different parts of the body. Some parts of the body may not get enough oxygen if there is insufficient iron or vitamin B-12 [6] in the blood.
Another common symptom of Low red blood cell volume is pica syndrome, a severe craving for strange and non-nutritional products. Some of these products may include baking soda and ice. People with pica syndrome may also crave non-food items such as pottery shards, chalk, and paper. Scientists believe that pica occurs because the body is trying to compensate for its low iron levels.