Have you ever had the urge to eat clay or dirt? What that might mean...

Some children get the urge to eat some earth – such as clay or dirt. 

It can happen to adults too and it’s more common than you might think. The phenomenon is called geophagy and it can also include cravings for other earth elements such as ice, clay or chalk. There are a few conditions that can trigger the urge, such as early stages of pregnancy and low levels of iron, or anemia. Eating dirt is nothing new – and it’s not unique to humans. There are several species that experience the same urge. Baboons, for example, often eat dirt, especially if they’re pregnant. 

Scientists theorize that dirt and clay cravings during pregnancy and in early childhood are linked to some protective elements in there. Certain types of earth have a soothing effect on the stomach and can deliver a protective barrier against viruses and bacteria. Of course, eating dirt is not recommended. If you or your child experience the urge to do so, let your doctor know. A simple iron test and supplement could bury those dirt-eating urges.