Effects of Geophagy on Hemoglobin Level and Iodine Absorption /Assimilation in Albino Rats

Abstract

Geophagic behaviour has been reported to increase exposure to Lead (Pb) that could influence the bioavailability and assimilation of iron and iodine through metal-metal interactions. Similarly, calcium that is naturally contained in kaolin tends to inhibit the absorption and assimilation of iron. In order to investigate these interactions 80 female albino rats aged 12 weeks and weighing between 212-261g were served with Pb contaminated kaolin pellets in a manner to simulate human consumption of this clay. The size, content of the thyroid gland in iodine, urinary/faecal iodine excretion and hemoglobin level were analytically monitored during this experiment and statgraphic 5.0 used for data analyses. The results show increased thyroid volume, decreased thyroid iodine content, increased urinary iodine excretion and adequate iodine absorption as kaolin is introduced into an iodine sufficient diet. Hemoglobin levels of the various test groups compared to the control group are statistically significant. The study reveals that that kaolin-eating does not influence iodine absorption but, it influences its assimilation at the level of the thyroid gland in albino rats. The study also reveals that the consumption of kaolin affects hemoglobin level.