Geophagy is a practice of eating earthy substances (such as clay) often to augment a mineral-deficient diet. While most often seen in rural or preindustrial societies among pregnant women, it also occurs among children and as a psychological eating disorder. Geophagy is a type of disorder known as pica.
Geophagy seems to be most prevalent among Africans and their descendants. A 1942 Mississippi study found that:
- "at least 25 percent of the schoolchildren habitually ate earth. Adults, although not systematically surveyed, also consumed earth. A number of reasons were given: earth is good for you; it helps pregnant women; it tastes good; it is sour like a lemon; it tastes better if smoked in the chimney; and so on." (Hunter, 192) [1]
Geophagy was also practiced by Native Americans who would eat dirt with acorns and potatoes to neutralize potentially harmful alkaloids.
See also: nutrition.
