[Geophagia sideropenica]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Nutritional Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Geophagia, the compulsive consumption of earth or soil-like substances, is often linked to nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia.
• Two cases involving a mother and daughter presenting with geophagia and concurrent anemia are detailed.

Observation:

• Both individuals exhibited moderate anemia and significant iron deficiency prior to the onset of geophagia.
• Despite being regular blood donors, their iron levels were critically low, suggesting a pre-existing deficiency.
• The geophagia symptoms resolved rapidly following intravenous iron supplementation, preceding significant hematological improvements.

Findings:

• Intravenous iron therapy (Ferrlecit) effectively resolved geophagia in both patients.
• Normalization of serum iron, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels was observed post-treatment.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) abnormalities were noted in both cases, potentially influenced by iron repletion therapy.

Implications:

• Routine serum iron level assessment in blood donors is recommended to identify at-risk individuals.
• Proactive iron supplementation for blood donors could be a strategy to prevent geophagia and associated health issues.
• Further research into the neurophysiological effects of iron deficiency and repletion in geophagia is warranted.