What does geophagia refer to?

Geophagia refers specifically to the practice of eating soil or clay. This behavior is observed in various cultures and can occur for several reasons, including nutritional deficiencies, texture preference, or cultural practices. Some people may consume clay or soil to supplement their diet with minerals or as a response to cravings caused by iron-deficiency anemia. The consumption of non-food substances, such as soil, is categorized under pica, which is the broader term for eating non-nutritive items.

Understanding this term is crucial in environmental health, as geophagia can have implications for health, including the risk of ingesting harmful contaminants or parasites found in soil. This makes it an important concept for specialists focusing on public health, nutrition, and food safety.