Cadmium and lead in geophagic clay consumed in Southern Nigeria: health risk from such traditional nutraceutical

Orisakwe, Orish Ebere; Udowelle, Nnaemeka Arinze; Obioma, Azuonwu; Nkeiruka, Igweze Zelinjo; Nkereuwem, Unyimeabasi Akpan; Frazzoli, Chiara

doi:10.1007/s10653-020-00632-0

Cited by 14 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Lead poisoning due to industrial pollution is one of the major causes (Bouftini et al, 2015). Lead can be absorbed through the respiratory tract, digestive tract, and skin and then transported through the systemic circulation, damaging several tissues and organs (nervous, digestive, and blood systems) and causing learning and memory dysfunctions (Byers et al, 2020; Orisakwe et al, 2020). Children at critical stages of growth and development are more sensitive to lead than adults because the excretory mechanisms for lead are not fully functional at early life stages and many developmental processes are still ongoing (Chehbani et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical case analysis of 32 children aged 0–6 years with lead poisoning in Nanning, China

Wei,

Gan,

et al. 2023

Toxicol Ind Health

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Lead is one of the heavy metals that is toxic and widely distributed in the environment, and children are more sensitive to the toxic effects of lead because the blood–brain barrier and immune system are not yet well developed. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of lead poisoning in children aged 0∼6 years in a hospital in Guangxi, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of lead poisoning. We collected and analyzed the clinical data of 32 children with lead poisoning admitted to a hospital in Guangxi from 2010 to 2018. The results showed that most of the 32 cases presented with hyperactivity, irritability, poor appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. The hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpusular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and hematocrit (HCT) of the lead-poisoned children were all decreased to different degrees and were below normal acceptable levels. Urinary β2-microglobulin was increased. Blood lead levels (BLL) decreased significantly after intravenous injection of the lead chelator, calcium disodium edetate (CaNa2-EDTA). In addition, HGB returned to normal levels, while MCV, MCH, and HCT increased but remained below normal levels. Urinary β2-microglobulin was reduced to normal levels. Therefore, in this cohort of children, the high-risk factors for lead poisoning are mainly Chinese medicines, such as baby powder. In conclusion, lead poisoning caused neurological damage and behavioral changes in children and decreased erythrocyte parameters, leading to digestive symptoms and renal impairment, which can be attenuated by CaNa2-EDTA treatment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Clinical case analysis of 32 children aged 0–6 years with lead poisoning in Nanning, China

Wei,

Gan,

et al. 2023

Toxicol Ind Health

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“…Geophagy has been associated with advantages relating to mineral supplementation, especially iron (Harvey et al, 2000) as well as copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and iodine (I) (Abrahams et al, 2006;Rifkin, 2012). However, some geophagic materials have been reported to affect dental enamel and increase prevalence of anaemia and helminth infection (Geissler et al, 1999;Ngole et al, 2010) and may contain heavy metals such as Pb and Cd (Orisakwe et al, 2020). Effects of geophagy vary depending on the physicochemical properties, mineralogy and geochemistry of the ingested soil material.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Properties and indigenous knowledge of soil materials used for consumption, healing and cosmetics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Buthelezi‐Dube¹,

Muchaonyerwa²,

Hughes³

et al. 2022

Soil Sci. Ann.

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Ethnopedological studies focus on agricultural soils resulting in undervaluation of non-agricultural soil materials during land classifi cation. In this study, ethnographic and ethnopedologic methods were used to obtain local knowledge and gain in-depth understanding of non-agricultural soils, their mineralogical and elemental composition relating to application in geophagy, healing and cosmetic purposes in two villages in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In each village a questionnaire was administered to fi fty randomly selected individuals from which ten knowledgeable volunteers (including eight geophagists from two villages) provided details on the selection criteria, the desired properties and why the soils performed the claimed role. Users based their selection on macromorphological features (e.g. colour, texture and location within the soil) and indigenous knowledge. Geophagic materials were mainly sourced from C horizons. They were mostly fi ne-grained with mica, kaolinite and quartz, and elements such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb). Natural pigments, such as iron oxides in highly weathered soils, were recognised as sunscreen materials. Although the mechanisms were not understood by users, laboratory analyses showed that the mineralogical and chemical properties of the soil materials played a crucial role. The sunscreen and healing capabilities of these soils were related to high contents of titanium (TiO 2 ) and iron (Fe 2 O 3 ) and the presence of kaolinite. Further appraisal of these soil materials is necessary for their conservation and inclusion in land classifi cation.

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“…In diverse African countries, there are societal-cultural groups that consider the practice of geophagy by pregnant women a promoting factor for the dark skin pigment in infants [17]. The Chaggas people (Tanzania) consider geophagy sacred for women [18]; in South Africa, it is common for women to associate soil ingestion with aesthetic benefits [19]. Several studies reported that geophagic practices are prevalent in pregnant women (e.g., Refs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The practice of geophagy can induce adverse health effects, varying not only with the amount of material consumed but also their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological properties [18,23]. Geophagic materials can be a source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as As, Pb, and Hg; bacteria; fungus; and parasites that can induce infections and other health outcomes [24].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geophagic Materials Characterization and Potential Impact on Human Health: The Case Study of Maputo City (Mozambique)

2022

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This study aims to characterize and estimate risk assessment associated with geophagic materials consumption in Maputo city (Mozambique). Samples were collected in extraction mines, unprepared and prepared ones, and in Maputo markets. Fractions < 2 mm (total consumed material) and <63 μm were analyzed to determine pH, EC, OM, chemical composition (XRF), and mineral phases present (XRD). The results revealed pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, and electrical conductivity ranging from 13 to 47 μS/cm in mine unprepared and prepared samples, while 264–465 μS/cm in sampled sold in markets. Organic matter content was <2.76%, except in one sample (8.14%), suggesting a potential risk of containing bacteria. Textural analysis revealed that sand-size particles were more representative in all samples (57.2–93.02%). Mineralogical phases identified in the consumed sample were ranked quartz (>60%) > Fe oxides/hidroxides > phyllosilicates (micas and kaolinite) > feldspars, suggesting a risk of dental enamel damage and perforation of the sigmoid colon. The chemical concentration of some elements was higher than recommended daily dose, suggesting a potential risk. However, geophagic materials’ chemical composition does not pose a carcinogenic risk.

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Cadmium and lead in geophagic clay consumed in Southern Nigeria: health risk from such traditional nutraceutical

Cited by 14 publications

References 33 publications

Clinical case analysis of 32 children aged 0–6 years with lead poisoning in Nanning, China

Clinical case analysis of 32 children aged 0–6 years with lead poisoning in Nanning, China

Properties and indigenous knowledge of soil materials used for consumption, healing and cosmetics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Geophagic Materials Characterization and Potential Impact on Human Health: The Case Study of Maputo City (Mozambique)

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