Kaolin consumption in pregnant women: what impact on the weight of newborns?

Background: Geophagy is an ancestral practice particularly found among African women who describe beneficial effects on the sympathetic signs of pregnancy. Studies have reported a significant prevalence of consumption of kaolin, known as geophagy, within migrant population. However, this behavior, like other environmental factors, could lead to obstetrical and neonatal risks.

Objective: The objective of our study was to evaluate the obstetrical and neonatal impact of kaolin consumption, especially on Z-SCORE for weight-for-gestational age in the newborn.

Methods: This mono-centric historical cohort study was carried out on the basis of questionnaires and patients' obstetrical records. It was conducted between January 1 and July 1, 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: 1) women who consumed kaolin (at least once during their pregnancy), and 2) women who did not consume kaolin. Morphometric characteristics of the newborn were retrieved in obstetrical records.

Results: Results: 105 pregnant women were included: 26 exposed and 79 non exposed. Women who consumed kaolin were more frequently without social protection at their first consultation ( < .01). Multivariate analysis did not show a significant association between Z-SCORE for weight-for gestational age in the newborn and kaolin consumption (β = 0.13,  = .54) after adjusting on age, precariousness, BMI, intake of toxic substances, anemia and beginning eclampsia. Among these covariates, precariousness was significantly associated with both a decrease in Z-SCORE for weight (β = -0.87,  < .002) and size (β = -0.68,  < .01).

Conclusion: Geophagy is not to be neglected in socially advantaged countries due to increased immigration. This study found no association between kaolin consumption and birth weight. However, there was a correlation between precariousness and low birth weight which reinforces the importance of tightening the follow-up during pregnancies in the most precarious women.