Histological Studies on the Effect of Calabash Chalk on the Cerebellum of Gestating Wistar Rats

Geophagy, although often seen in rural or preindustrial settings among children and pregnant women [11] is not limited to any particular age or time [12]. Clay consumption has been reported to be associated with pregnancy, and some women eat clay to eliminate nausea [13]. Report says that this process may also result in the absorption of dangerous toxins and eggs of parasites that may have been passed in animal faeces [14]. Anaemia, which is a deficiency of red blood cell and haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying pigment in the blood), as well as Ascaris lumbricoides infection, are some of the other factors associated with geophagy [14]. CC (calabash clay, Calabar stones) is also called poto, la craie or Argile by the Francophones; Nzu by the Igbos, and Ndom by the Efiks/Ibibios of Nigeria. It is also referred to as Mabele by the Lingala of Congo. Although commercially available in blocks/ pellets, it is also sold in powdered form [15]. CC is made up of aluminum silicate hydroxide, which is a well-known member of the kaolin clay group, with the formula: Al2Si2O5OH4 [10]. Other substances which could be poisonous to the body have also been reported to be present in clay [10]. These include metals, metalloids, and persistent organic pollutants [10]. The metals include iron, aluminium, potassium, titanium, barium, chromium, zinc, manganese, nickel, rubidium, copper, and tin with the metalloids being lead the mean concentration of approximately 40 mg/kg and arsenic [10,15-17].