Paper is not edible, and eating it may be harmful depending on the type and amount eaten. Printed paper contains ink, which may be harmful if swallowed in large amounts, and cellulose, an indigestible material that can lead to gastrointestinal problems when consumed in excess.
Regularly eating non-food items, such as paper, is known as pica. Depending on the substance eaten, pica can lead to problems like poisoning, nutritional deficiencies, and bowel obstruction.
Pica is more common in people experiencing stress or anxiety, family conflict or abuse, or nutrient deficiencies such as low iron or zinc levels. It may also be associated with certain cultural practices, intellectual disability, or psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If you regularly eat paper, it’s important to determine whether an underlying health condition may be causing this behavior. In some cases, working with a psychologist can help manage and reduce it.