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Background: Calcium is a major nutrient implicated in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Aside dietary sources, geophagia has been reported to provide calcium needed to prevent PIH. These soils are shown to contain significant amount of heavy metals which have been associated with hypertension. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between geophagia and PIH, assess the dietary intakes and health of participants. Methods: This study was a case-control involving 30 women with PIH and 70 normotensive pregnant women. Results: Geophagia was not significantly associated with PIH. Women with PIH practicing geophagia recorded significantly low levels of haemoglobin, calcium and ferritin. Hypertensives recorded impaired fasting blood glucose (5.77±1.71mmol/L, p=0.051), higher levels of urea (3.60±1.29 mmol/L, p=0.000) and creatinine (382.67±11.66 µmol/L, p=0.000). Percentage intakes of macronutrients for normotensives were within the Adequate Macronutrient Distribution Range and PIH group recorded higher intakes of carbohydrate (72.75±16.16 %), lower protein (9.77±5.61 %) and fat (17.15±11.99%). Dietary calcium intakes in both groups were lower than recommended (< 1,000 mg/day). Conclusion: In this study, geophagia during pregnancy is not directly associated with PIH but is detrimental to maternal health. The pregnant women in this study had considerably low intakes of energy and nutrients. There is a need for measures to ensure adequate maternal nutrition for a positive health and pregnancy outcomes. Keywords: Nutrition, pregnancy-induced hypertension, health, geophagia, supplementation, calcium, ferritin.

Introduction: Geophagia is very common among pregnant women, particularly in Africa. There are many reasons given for geophagia such as cultural, medicinal and religious, making it an acceptable norm regardless of health risks involved. Objectives: The study explored prevalence and factors influencing geophagia among women visiting an antenatal clinic in Pretoria. Methods: A quantitative survey was done on a convenience sample of 597 pregnant women and structured interviews conducted. Statistical analysis was done using simple percentage and interview data analyzed using Epi Info statistical software. Results: Geophagia was reported by 54.0% of the women (n=323) and of these, 75.2% (n=243) ate at least 3 teaspoons per day. Reasons for the practice ranged from simple unexplained craving to belief that soil acts as an iron supplement. The study revealed that education levels did not act as a contributing factor as both literate and illiterate women were consumers. Partners of consumers played a key role in influencing the practice as most consumers were not married. Conclusion: Geophagia is practiced by a considerable proportion of pregnant women in this area. Greater vigilance may be needed as part of the antenatal classes to avoid potentially harmful effects of the habit. Keywords: Geophagia, pregnant women, Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Pretoria

Background: Soil has been eaten by humans under various names all over the world. It was used as a spread on the bread instead of butter in Austria known as ‘mountain tallow’ and in German known as ‘stone butter’. Earth is tasty in various countries, termed as ‘American earth’, ‘Earth of Samos’ and ‘Nishapoor earth’, continues to make geophagia habit. Objective: To highlight the problem of geophagia in the Transkei region of South Africa. Case reports: First, one is (XM) of a 35 years woman who divulges her history of geophagia at Sinawe Center. She consumed fresh earthworm dig-out soil after smelling it. This has happened in her first pregnancy in her first trimester. The second, one is an adult women 55-years; she had consumed red bricks for last 15 years. It is not related with her pregnancy. She keeps bricks close her bed and eats when she feels to eat. She used to complain abdominal pain and off and on loose motions. She had bladder stones, which passed through urethra. The history of geophagia, mechanism of craving for soil, and associated cultural belief has discussed in this case report. Conclusion: There is geophagia in the Xhosa community is prevalent and socially accepted. Keywords: soil, earth, craving, earthworm, and belief.