Geophagy, the practice of eating soil during pregnancy, is common in sub-Saharan Africa and linked to serious health risks including anemia, birth defects, low birth weight, and early delivery. According to Gram Research analysis, the practice is driven by cultural traditions and the belief it relieves pregnancy symptoms and addresses nutritional deficiencies. However, soil consumption reduces nutrient absorption, exposes mothers to toxic substances, and increases parasitic infections. Healthcare providers should screen for geophagy and provide culturally respectful counseling to protect maternal and fetal health.
A new review of research from sub-Saharan Africa examines geophagy, the practice of eating soil and earth materials during pregnancy. According to Gram Research analysis, this behavior is driven by cultural traditions, social norms, and the belief it helps with pregnancy symptoms and nutritional needs. However, the practice carries serious health risks including anemia, birth defects, low birth weight, and parasitic infections. The review calls for better screening, culturally sensitive counseling, and improved nutrition education in maternal healthcare to protect both mothers and babies.
Key Statistics
A 2026 narrative review of geophagy research in sub-Saharan Africa found associations between soil consumption during pregnancy and maternal anemia, neural tube defects, low birth weight, and preterm birth.
According to a 2026 review in Scientifica, geophagy during pregnancy is influenced by cultural traditions, social norms, physiological changes, and perceived health benefits, but current antenatal care services inadequately screen for and counsel about the practice.
A 2026 research review identified that geophagy during pregnancy may contribute to adverse outcomes through reduced nutrient bioavailability, exposure to toxic elements, and increased susceptibility to parasitic infections.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Why pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa eat soil and earth materials, and what health effects this practice has on mothers and babies
- Who participated: This was a review of existing research studies, not a new study with participants. Researchers looked at studies about pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa who practice geophagy
- Key finding: Geophagy during pregnancy is linked to serious health problems including anemia (low iron in blood), neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain and spine), low birth weight, and early delivery
- What it means for you: If you or someone you know is pregnant in sub-Saharan Africa and practices geophagy, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider. Better nutrition education and culturally respectful counseling can help reduce risks while respecting cultural beliefs
The Research Details
Researchers reviewed published studies from five major scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) to gather all available information about geophagy during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. They looked at studies examining why women practice geophagy, what nutritional effects it has, and what health problems it causes. This type of review, called a narrative review, allows researchers to synthesize information from many different studies to understand the big picture of a health issue. The researchers examined evidence about cultural drivers, nutritional implications, health consequences, and possible solutions to reduce harm.
Understanding geophagy requires looking at it from multiple angles: cultural beliefs, nutrition science, and medical outcomes. A review approach is important because geophagy is influenced by deeply rooted traditions and social norms that vary by region. By examining all available research together, scientists can identify patterns and gaps in knowledge that single studies might miss. This helps public health officials design interventions that respect cultural practices while protecting maternal and fetal health.
This is a narrative review, which means researchers used their judgment to select and summarize studies rather than using strict mathematical criteria. Narrative reviews are valuable for exploring complex topics but may include some researcher bias in which studies are highlighted. The strength of this review comes from examining multiple databases and looking at the issue from cultural, nutritional, and medical perspectives. However, readers should know that the quality depends on the studies reviewed, and more rigorous research is needed on geophagy’s specific health effects
What the Results Show
The review found that geophagy during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa is driven by multiple factors working together. Cultural traditions and social norms play a major role, with the practice passed down through families and communities. Pregnant women also report that eating soil helps relieve pregnancy symptoms like nausea and cravings. Many women believe geophagy provides missing nutrients or minerals their bodies need during pregnancy. However, the research shows these perceived benefits come with serious health risks. Geophagy can reduce how well the body absorbs important nutrients from food, expose mothers to toxic substances in soil, and increase the risk of parasitic infections that can harm both mother and baby.
The review identified specific health problems associated with geophagy during pregnancy. Maternal anemia (low iron levels) is common among women who practice geophagy, which can cause fatigue and complications during delivery. Neural tube defects, which are serious birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord, have been associated with geophagy. Low birth weight and preterm birth (babies born too early) are also linked to the practice. These outcomes suggest that geophagy interferes with the baby’s development and the mother’s health during pregnancy. The review also found that current antenatal care services in many sub-Saharan African settings do not routinely screen for geophagy or provide counseling about its risks.
This review builds on earlier research recognizing geophagy as a significant public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa. Previous studies have documented the practice exists and identified some health risks, but this comprehensive review synthesizes that evidence and highlights gaps in maternal healthcare. The review confirms what earlier research suggested: geophagy is not simply a nutritional deficiency problem that can be solved with supplements, but a complex behavior rooted in culture, physiology, and social norms. This review emphasizes that interventions must be culturally sensitive rather than dismissive of traditional practices.
This review has several important limitations. First, it examined existing studies rather than conducting new research, so the quality of findings depends on the studies reviewed. Second, the exact number of pregnant women affected by geophagy is unclear because screening is not routine in many healthcare settings. Third, many studies on geophagy come from limited geographic areas, so findings may not apply everywhere in sub-Saharan Africa. Fourth, it is difficult to prove that geophagy directly causes health problems because pregnant women who practice geophagy often face other challenges like poverty and limited access to healthcare. Finally, the review notes that more rigorous research is needed to understand exactly how geophagy affects pregnancy outcomes
The Bottom Line
Healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa should routinely ask pregnant women about geophagy during prenatal visits (strong evidence for this practice). Counseling should be respectful of cultural beliefs while explaining health risks (moderate evidence). Improving overall nutrition through education and food access may reduce the desire to practice geophagy (moderate evidence). Screening for and treating parasitic infections and anemia is important for all pregnant women, especially those who practice geophagy (strong evidence)
Pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa and their families should care about this research, as should healthcare providers, public health officials, and maternal health programs in the region. Women who practice geophagy should not feel ashamed but should discuss it with their healthcare provider to protect their health and their baby’s health. Healthcare systems should use this information to improve antenatal care services. This research is less directly relevant to pregnant women in other regions where geophagy is not common, though it provides valuable lessons about culturally sensitive healthcare
Reducing geophagy and improving pregnancy outcomes is not a quick process. Better nutrition education and access to healthcare may take several months to show effects. Treating anemia and parasitic infections can improve health within weeks to months. Preventing birth defects requires addressing geophagy early in pregnancy, ideally before conception. Long-term improvements in maternal and infant health require sustained public health efforts, better healthcare access, and community engagement over years
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do pregnant women eat dirt in Africa?
Pregnant women practice geophagy due to cultural traditions passed through families, social norms in their communities, and the belief it relieves pregnancy symptoms like nausea and addresses nutritional deficiencies. The behavior is influenced by multiple factors including physiology and perceived health benefits.
What are the health risks of eating soil during pregnancy?
Eating soil during pregnancy increases risks of anemia, neural tube defects (brain and spine birth defects), low birth weight, and early delivery. Soil consumption reduces nutrient absorption, exposes mothers to toxic substances, and increases parasitic infections that harm both mother and baby.
How can healthcare providers help pregnant women who eat dirt?
Healthcare providers should routinely screen for geophagy during prenatal visits and provide culturally respectful counseling about risks. Improving nutrition education, treating anemia and parasitic infections, and addressing underlying nutritional deficiencies can help reduce the practice while respecting cultural beliefs.
Is geophagy during pregnancy common in sub-Saharan Africa?
Yes, geophagy is a common practice among pregnant women in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. However, the exact prevalence is unclear because routine screening is not incorporated into most antenatal care services across the region.
Can eating soil provide nutrients during pregnancy?
While some soil contains minerals, geophagy actually reduces how well the body absorbs important nutrients from food. The practice does not reliably provide needed nutrients and interferes with proper nutrition, making it an ineffective and risky way to address nutritional needs during pregnancy.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly geophagy frequency (number of times per week eating soil or earth materials) and correlate with prenatal visit discussions and anemia screening results to monitor behavior change and health markers
- Users can log when they experience cravings for soil or earth materials, note what symptoms they’re trying to relieve (nausea, fatigue, cravings), and record alternative foods or activities they use instead. This helps identify triggers and build healthier coping strategies
- Set reminders for prenatal appointments where geophagy can be discussed, track hemoglobin levels from blood tests to monitor anemia, log nutrition intake to identify dietary gaps, and record any pregnancy complications to share with healthcare providers
This review examines research on geophagy during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa and should not replace professional medical advice. Pregnant women should discuss any unusual eating behaviors or cravings with their healthcare provider. If you are pregnant and practice geophagy, speak with your doctor about screening for anemia, parasitic infections, and nutritional deficiencies. This information is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment. Healthcare decisions should be made in consultation with qualified medical professionals who understand your individual circumstances and cultural context.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.