Understanding Geophagia : Cultural, Nutritional, and Health Perspectives

1. What is Geophagia

   Geophagia is a habit of eating earthy substances such as clay, soil, and chalk. This type of behavior is observed in various human cultures and also documented in animal species.

   Geophagia has both cultural and biological significance. Some people engage in this practice due to traditional beliefs, rituals, and nutritional needs, while in some cases it may be due to a medical condition like pica, a disorder in which there is consumption of non-nutritive and non-food substances.

   Why geophagia occurs may vary, there may be cultural, nutritional, and sometimes even medical motivations for it.

2. Historical and Cultural Context of Geophagia

   There is evidence of geophagia being practiced in various civilizations and time periods.

   Some historical context refers to the consumption of earth as a remedy for various ailments. Archeological findings suggest certain ancient societies used clay and soil for medicinal and religious purposes.⁽¹⁾ Geophagia has been incorporated by many indigenous cultures into their rituals and traditions. In some African and South American cultures, specific types of clay are consumed during pregnancy as a part of cultural practices or to address nutritional deficiencies.⁽²⁾

   Consumption of earth may have symbolic significance in different cultures, representing a connection to land, fertility, and spiritual elements. Some cultures believed that certain types of clay possess protective or purifying qualities, leading to incorporation into rituals and ceremonies.⁽³⁾ In some cultures, specific types of clay or soil are used as an ingredient in traditional culinary dishes.

   Geophagia has its deep roots in various cultural practices, and attitude towards it has evolved over time. Understanding the historical and cultural context of geophagia provides insights into its diverse manifestations and factors influencing its practices across different societies and time periods.

There are multifaced causes or motivations for geophagia, which involve cultural, psychological, and physiological factors. 

1. Pregnancy 

   During pregnancy, a few women may experience a condition known as pica, involving a craving for non-food substances, including earthy materials. A South African study found 54% of 597 pregnant people experienced geophagia.⁽⁴⁾ It was observed that three-quarters of that group ate more than 3 teaspoons of soil daily. The reasons people eat soil include: 

   • Boredom
   • Enjoying the salty taste of the soil
   • Relieving pregnancy-related heartburn
   • Believing soil acts as an iron supplement, improving baby’s health
   • Craving the soil’s texture, taste, and smell

   Hormonal changes and nutritional needs may contribute to these cravings.

2. Age 

   Pica is most common in children, pregnant females, and children with intellectual impairment.⁽⁵⁾ It is an eating disorder in which people may crave eating the following things: 

   • Dirt
   • Clay
   • Hair
   • Ice
   • Paper
   • Eggshells
   • Raw starch
   • Cigarette

   Stress, child neglect, and maternal deprivation may be the factors leading to the development of pica among children.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies 

   Deficiencies of iron and zinc may cause people to eat dirt.⁽⁶⁾

   A study done in 2023 indicated that a deficiency of zinc in children leads to pica.⁽⁷⁾

   It is also observed that in regions where soil is rich in calcium, geophagia may be motivated by a desire to address calcium deficiency.

4. Medicinal Beliefs 

   Some cultures believe that certain types of clay or soil may possess medicinal properties. Geophagia is then motivated by a desire to obtain perceived health benefits.

5. Other Reasons   

   There are also a few other risk factors for pica in general, which include:⁽⁵⁾

   • Learned behavior
   • Mental health condition
   • Stress
   • Epilepsy
   • Family dysfunction
   • Cultural influences

   A study suggested that geophagia may also occur as a way people may reassert their identity in a foreign country.⁽⁸⁾ The authors also related geophagia to the lack of, or the expense of certain foods.

A variety of earthy substances are involved in geophagia, each of which has its own characteristics and cultural significance. The types of earth substances consumed across various regions and cultures include: 

• Clay: Kaolin or white clay and bentonite are the clays that are consumed and perceived to have beneficial properties. Some cultures engage in geophagia by consuming bentonite clay, believing it to have detoxifying effects.
• Soil: Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay that is also consumed sometimes. The consumption of loamy soil may vary and may be influenced by cultural practices or traditions. In regions where sandy soil is prevalent, it may be consumed as a part of geographical practices.
• Chalk and Limestones: Chalk is mainly calcium carbonate. It is a soft, white sedimentary rock. Some cultures consume chalk particularly when it is easily accessible. Limestone is similar to chalk. It is a sedimentary rock that may be consumed in geographic practices.
• Traditional Medical Mixtures: In traditional medicine, geophagia may involve the consumption of a mixture of various earth materials. Each material is chosen for its perceived medicinal properties. In some geographic practices, a combination of herbs and earth substances is believed to have healing effects.

One theory suggests that pica may occur during pregnancy and childhood which are considered the most vulnerable stages of development.⁽¹²⁾ It may occur as a protection against harmful toxins. The dirt binds with toxic substances to help the digestive system get rid of them and protect the child and pregnant females from absorbing them.

More research is needed to determine whether there is any truth to the above theory.,

A review suggested that eating dirt may provide a distraction from pain and distress, particularly related to gastrointestinal issues.⁽⁹⁾

Pica is known to be a major cause of anemia and lead poisoning. An article published in 2020 warned about harmful effects on fetuses when pregnant people ate clay from particular parts of Ghana.⁽¹⁰⁾

A 2022 review concludes that more research is needed to determine whether or not a particular type of clay is toxic or beneficial.⁽⁹⁾

Geophagia is also known to lead to the following complications: 

• Constipation
• Accidental ingestion of parasites
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Low potassium deficiencies with myopathy

Geophagia can lead to a range of health complications due to potentially toxic substances. Also, eating dirt during pregnancy may place the fetus at risk.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), people with any type of pica, including geophagia, should get tested for nutritional deficiencies.⁽¹¹⁾ Once the deficiencies are corrected, the person may stop experiencing geophagia.

If the cravings are not corrected even after correcting nutritional deficiencies, behavior interventions can be discussed with a doctor.

Distraction and reward techniques can also prove to be effective strategies for people who crave and eat dirt.

Prevention and management strategies for geophagia involve addressing the underlying cause, mitigating potential health risks, and promoting education and awareness. 

• Public health campaigns can be implemented to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with geophagia. The campaigns can be tailored to be culturally sensitive, taking local beliefs and practices into account.
• Individuals should be educated about the importance of a balanced diet. The communities should have access to a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
• Assessment should be done for individuals exhibiting signs of pica or other related disorders. Nutritional counseling should be provided to individuals with deficiencies.
• Soil management practice should be encouraged to minimize environmental impact in regions where geophagia is prevalent.
• Females should be provided with antenatal education regarding healthy dietary practices and potential cravings.
• Food and safety regulations should be implemented to minimize the risk of contamination.

Addressing geophagia requires a holistic and culturally sensitive approach that considers both individual and community factors.

Geophagia is the practice of consuming earthy substances. It is a complex phenomenon with deep-rooted historical, cultural, nutritional, and psychological dimensions. The reasons why an individual indulges in geophagia are diverse, ranging from cultural traditions and nutritional deficiencies to psychological factors.

Geophagia may have perceived benefits medicinal properties and mineral supplementation. Contaminant exposure, gastrointestinal issues, and potential complications during pregnancy are among the health concerns associated with this practice.

Preventing and addressing geophagia requires a multifaceted approach. Public health awareness campaigns, nutritional education, healthcare interventions, and community engagement are crucial components.

A person with geophagia should speak with a healthcare provider and undergo tests for nutritional deficiencies.