Human health aspects related to the ingestion of geophagic clayey soils from the Free State and Limpopo provinces, South Africa

• Main Authors: De Jager, L., Ngole, V.M., Ekosse, G.E.
• Other Authors: Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: Journal for New Generation Sciences, Vol 11, Issue 2: Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein 2015
• Subjects: Body mass index; Craving; Geophagic females; Medical history; Perception
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11462/633

Published Article === Studies were undertaken in the Limpopo and Free State Provinces of South Africa to understand the beliefs, perceptions and health implications associated with geophagia. Questionnaires administered to 225 geophagic females covered their demographic details, their reasons for ingesting geophagic clayey soils and their perceptions regarding associated health conditions and implications. Respondents ingested clayey soils for body cleansing, craving, nutrient supplementation and weight loss. Some respondents considered the soils harmful, and < 50% of respondents had some knowledge of the contents of soils they ingested. Medical reasons in support of geophagia included lack of knowledge on the health implications of the practice. Medical consequences associated with geophagia may have occurred as a result of a lack of knowledge of the health implications of the practice. A clear need for educating geophagic individuals regarding the health implications of geophagia is called for.