eating baby powder: Corn starch?

» biogardener - Corn starch?

Yes, it is true that some mothers use corn starch instead of baby powder, but I do not know of any commercial baby powder which consists of corn starch. Originally, baby powder was called "talcum" or "talcum powder" because talcum was the main ingredient. Whether it still is, I do not know. I do not use any kind of commercial powder.

Talcum is derived from clay. It is what makes clay feel smooth and soapy. If you crave talcum, you would probably do better to eat clean potter's clay than baby powder which has other ingredients which could harm you. I am not advising you to eat clay. I am just trying to help you figure out what you should be eating.

I am not convinced by the iron deficiency theory. Different clays contain varying amounts of iron. The iron in the clay is of a form which does not help your body anyway. I am more inclined to believe that it is some micronutrient which your body craves.

Tell me, are there certain foods which you crave? If you do, maybe we could try to figure out if that food contains an ingredient which is also found in the powder.

-- posted by biogardener