kaolinite and Birth-Weight

Geophagy is an ancestral practice particularly found among African women who describe beneficial effects on the sympathetic signs of pregnancy. Studies have reported a significant prevalence of consumption of kaolin, known as geophagy, within migrant population. However, this behavior, like other environmental factors, could lead to obstetrical and neonatal risks.. The objective of our study was to evaluate the obstetrical and neonatal impact of kaolin consumption, especially on Z-SCORE for weight-for-gestational age in the newborn.. This mono-centric historical cohort study was carried out on the basis of questionnaires and patients' obstetrical records. It was conducted between January 1 and July 1, 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) women who consumed kaolin (at least once during their pregnancy), and 2) women who did not consume kaolin. Morphometric characteristics of the newborn were retrieved in obstetrical records.. Results: 105 pregnant women were included: 26 exposed and 79 non exposed. Women who consumed kaolin were more frequently without social protection at their first consultation (. Geophagy is not to be neglected in socially advantaged countries due to increased immigration. This study found no association between kaolin consumption and birth weight. However, there was a correlation between precariousness and low birth weight which reinforces the importance of tightening the follow-up during pregnancies in the most precarious women.

Topics: Birth Weight; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Kaolin; Pica; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women

Geophagia, in the form of clay-eating, is often observed during pregnancy in the human population. The intent of this study was to determine the effects of kaolin (clay) ingestion on the maternal blood and embryonic development of the pregnant rat. Thirty-six Sprague-dawley female rats were divided into three groups: control diet, 20% kaolin diet, and iron-supplemented 20% kaolin diet. The diets were fed 37 to 68 days, 69 to 95 days, and 96 to 117 days prior to fertilization, and the same diets were fed for the duration of the gestation period. The rats fed the kaolin diet exhibited significant reductions in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell levels, thus indicating maternal anemia. There was also a significant reduction in the birth weight of the pups born to kaolin fed rats. The kaolin fed rats receiving an iron supplement maintained hematocrit, hemoglobin, red blood cell levels, and pup weight within the normal range.

Topics: Animals; Birth Weight; Erythrocyte Count; Female; Hematocrit; Humans; Iron; Kaolin; Litter Size; Pica; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Rats