In Edo State, Nigeria, geophagia (‘Eko’) is highly prevalent, and men and women, especially pregnant women, are believed to indulge in its consumption as a remedy for vomiting (nausea) and some other related inconveniences in pregnancy. Others are due to a natural craving. These practices are associated with varying health complications; as such, it is pertinent that the physical and chemical composition of the clay be known. In this study, we assessed the levels of heavy metals and trace elements of clinical importance in ‘Eko’, as well as their physical and chemical properties using standard protocols. Tests conducted include: colour, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total dissolved solids (TDS), particle density, and concentrations of metals [chloride (Cl), sulphate (S), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)]. The results obtained showed that some of the elements (Cl, Ca, Na and Mg) are present in moderate concentrations (353.33, 182.33, 216, 111.33 mg/kg) respectively. However, concentrations of some of the heavy metals [(Cd, Pb and Cr) (0.30, 0.26, 0.42 mg/kg) respectively], were higher than the permissible limits (65, 35, 25 µg/kg) set by WHO. Though some of the moderately present trace metals may play important biological roles, the high concentrations of some heavy metals could have detrimental health effects. Results from this study suggest that ‘Eko’ can predispose consumers to health hazards. As such, the continuous consumption of “Eko” should be discouraged
The impacts of geophagy on reproductive health, especially the ovaries remain unexplored. The reproductive health of individuals (mostly pregnant women) may be impacted, by exposure to geophagic clay, as there is evidence to substantiate the presence of some contaminants in the studied geophagic clay. The ovary which is the site of production of female egg cells, in the female reproductive system can give useful information on the reproductive effects of this practice in exposed organisms. In this study, thirty-six (36) healthy adult female rats of the Wistar strain, were placed in six (6) groups, of six (6) animals each (A-F) and administered geophagic clay orally with gavage, for forty-two (42) days. Group (A) which served as the control group received feed and distilled water only. Groups (B-F) were administered (250, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000) mg/kg bw geophagic clay dissolved in distilled water. Markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Histopathological examinations were also carried out on the ovaries. Comparison of the results obtained, by matching control group with the treatment groups, revealed that oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] were elevated significantly (p < 0.05) mostly in the groups administered high doses (1000-2000 mg/kg bw) of geophagic clay. There was a marked depletion (p < 0.05) in reduced glutathione (GSH) level (2000 mg/kg bw). Histopathological examination of the ovaries revealed slight alterations in the anatomic features predominantly in the group administered the highest dose (2000 mg/kg bw). This finding infers possible toxicity in the ovaries especially when geophagic clay is consumed in high concentrations. This implies that geophagic clay may cause a redox imbalance in the ovary, altering female reproductive function, especially when consumed in high doses.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.