Joshua D Miller1, Shalean M Collins1, Moshood Omotayo2,3, Stephanie L Martin4, Katherine L Dickin5, Sera L Young1. 1. Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208. 2. Program in International Nutrition, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850. 3. Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214. 4. Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 5. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Geophagy 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. METHODS: Ten 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. RESULTS: Based 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. CONCLUSIONS: Geophagic 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.
OBJECTIVES: Geophagy 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. METHODS: Ten 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. RESULTS: Based 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. CONCLUSIONS: Geophagic 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.
Authors: Stephanie L Martin; Gretchen L Seim; Salome Wawire; Gina M Chapleau; Sera L Young; Katherine L Dickin Journal: Matern Child Nutr Date: 2016-02-22 Impact factor: 3.092
Authors: Moshood O Omotayo; Katherine L Dickin; Gina M Chapleau; Stephanie L Martin; Christopher Chang; Erick O Mwanga; Jacqueline K Kung'u; Rebecca J Stoltzfus Journal: J Public Health Res Date: 2015-11-17
Authors: Reginald Quansah; Frederick Ato Armah; David Kofi Essumang; Isaac Luginaah; Edith Clarke; Kissinger Marfoh; Samuel Jerry Cobbina; Edward Nketiah-Amponsah; Proscovia Bazanya Namujju; Samuel Obiri; Mawuli Dzodzomenyo Journal: Environ Health Perspect Date: 2015-01-27 Impact factor: 9.031
Authors: Sera L Young; M Jeffrey Wilson; Stephen Hillier; Evelyne Delbos; Said M Ali; Rebecca J Stoltzfus Journal: J Chem Ecol Date: 2010-01 Impact factor: 2.626