The potential impact of geophagia on the bioavailability of iron, zinc and calcium in human nutrition

Hooda, P.S., Henry, C.J.K., Seyoum, T.A., Armstrong, L.D.M. and Fowler, M.B. 2002. The potential impact of geophagia on the bioavailability of iron, zinc and calcium in human nutrition. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 24, pp. 305-319. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1020542810334

TitleThe potential impact of geophagia on the bioavailability of iron, zinc and calcium in human nutrition
TypeJournal article
AuthorsHooda, P.S., Henry, C.J.K., Seyoum, T.A., Armstrong, L.D.M. and Fowler, M.B.
Abstract

Geophagia, the deliberate ingestion of soil, is a complex eating behaviour with obscure aetiology and numerous health/medical problems. It is conventionally assumed that geophagia may help supplement mineral nutrients in individuals with limited intake of trace elements such as Fe and Zn. This view, however, has largely been based on the bulk nutrient composition of geophagic materials and the assumption that these nutrients are potentially available for absorption in the body. We have tested this assumption by equilibrating five geophagic materials collected from Uganda, Tanzania, Turkey and India with mineral nutrient concentrations and conditions similar to the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that all five geophagic materials, regardless of their composition, sorbed large amounts of Fe and Zn across a range of dietary intake scenarios, even under acidic conditions (pH 2) similar to the stomach. However, significant amounts of Ca desorption were observed from calcareous soil samples. The findings show that while calcareous geophagic materials may supplement Ca, geophagia can potentially cause Fe- and Zn-deficiency. This is consistent with mineral nutrient deficiency problems observed in clinical nutrition studies conducted amongst geophagic populations.

JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health
Journal citation24, pp. 305-319
ISSN0269-4042
Year2002
PublisherSpringer Nature
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1020542810334
Web address (URL)http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0036889357&partnerID=MN8TOARS
Publication dates
Published2002

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