Geophagic earths consumed by women in western Kenya contain dangerous levels of lead, arsenic, and iron
Dados Bibliográficos
| AUTOR(ES) | |
|---|---|
| AFILIAÇÃO(ÕES) | The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Kellogg School of Management Northwestern University |
| ANO | Não informado |
| TIPO | Article |
| ADICIONADO EM | 2025-08-18 |
Resumo
ObjectivesGeophagy is commonly reported by pregnant women and children, yet its causes and consequences remain poorly understood. Therefore, we sought to determine if geophagy could contribute micronutrients and/or be a source of heavy metal exposure by examining the elemental composition of earths consumed in Kakamega, Kenya.MethodsTen samples of earths commonly consumed during pregnancy were collected by study enumerators and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy. Samples were either collected at markets or from walls of participants' homes, based on where participants reported most commonly sourcing their consumed earths.ResultsBased on estimated intakes (40 g/day), all samples had lead levels that exceeded the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake, and one sample exceeded the threshold for arsenic. Further, estimated intakes of iron for all samples were at least 8.9 times higher than the established threshold. Elemental concentrations were also compared by the site of sample collection (market vs. household wall); market samples had significantly higher iron concentrations and lower calcium concentrations than wall samples.ConclusionsGeophagic earths in Kakamega may be harmful because of dangerously high levels of lead, arsenic, and iron. The prevalence of geophagy among vulnerable populations underscores the importance of understanding its causes and consequences for accurate public health messaging.