Tag: Eating mud

According to a 2017 study in South Africa, 54% of pregnant women surveyed experienced geophagy, with a large majority eating over three teaspoons of soil daily. This widespread craving for non-food items like mud, known as pica, can have serious and cumulative health consequences for both the individual and, in the case of pregnancy, the developing fetus.

According to the Missouri Poison Center, most calls about ingesting dirt involve toddlers, and serious issues are rare. However, understanding the potential risks is important, as what happens if you eat a little bit of mud can range from a completely harmless event to a minor health concern, depending on the soil's contents and how much was consumed.