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<p>Geophagy, the intentional consumption of clay and related earth materials is a culturally entrenched practice in Nigeria with potential public health implications. Considering Nigeria’s large population, its role as a regional economic hub, and the widespread prevalence of geophagy, a comprehensive synthesis is urgently needed to inform risk mitigation and culturally sensitive health interventions. This scoping review included 26 peer-reviewed studies spanning 27 locations across 22 Nigerian states<b>,</b> focusing on clay (46.2% of samples), 53.8% on geophargic salts (trona, and natron). The review aimed to explore sociocultural and behavioral drivers, map chemical composition and toxicological profiles, evaluate risk assessment practices (including EDI and THQ), and assess health outcomes from human and animal studies. Heavy metal analyses revealed that 92.3% of clay samples exceeded WHO limits for lead (0.1 mg/kg)<b>,</b> 42.9% exceeded cadmium limits (0.3 mg/kg), and 82.3% of studies reporting arsenic contamination surpassed EFSA limits (3 mg/kg). Risk assessments indicate elevated exposure for children, with some THQ values exceeding 1, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic health effects. Sociocultural drivers, particularly pregnancy-related cravings, traditional medicine use, and culinary practices, underpin persistent geophagy. This review integrates toxicological, behavioral, and risk assessment evidence<b>,</b> highlighting the need for public health strategies that are simultaneously culturally sensitive and scientifically informed to mitigate the health risks of geophagy in Nigeria.</p>

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Geophagy in Nigeria: a scoping review of toxicological evidence, sociocultural drivers, and public health implications

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月25日

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  • Gabriel Erhiga Odesa,
  • Donald Uzowulu Olannye,
  • Iruoghene Onosakponome,
  • Chris Ese Etebefia

摘要

Geophagy, the intentional consumption of clay and related earth materials is a culturally entrenched practice in Nigeria with potential public health implications. Considering Nigeria’s large population, its role as a regional economic hub, and the widespread prevalence of geophagy, a comprehensive synthesis is urgently needed to inform risk mitigation and culturally sensitive health interventions. This scoping review included 26 peer-reviewed studies spanning 27 locations across 22 Nigerian states, focusing on clay (46.2% of samples), 53.8% on geophargic salts (trona, and natron). The review aimed to explore sociocultural and behavioral drivers, map chemical composition and toxicological profiles, evaluate risk assessment practices (including EDI and THQ), and assess health outcomes from human and animal studies. Heavy metal analyses revealed that 92.3% of clay samples exceeded WHO limits for lead (0.1 mg/kg), 42.9% exceeded cadmium limits (0.3 mg/kg), and 82.3% of studies reporting arsenic contamination surpassed EFSA limits (3 mg/kg). Risk assessments indicate elevated exposure for children, with some THQ values exceeding 1, suggesting potential non-carcinogenic health effects. Sociocultural drivers, particularly pregnancy-related cravings, traditional medicine use, and culinary practices, underpin persistent geophagy. This review integrates toxicological, behavioral, and risk assessment evidence, highlighting the need for public health strategies that are simultaneously culturally sensitive and scientifically informed to mitigate the health risks of geophagy in Nigeria.