Eating dirt provides health benefits to humans
Evidence indicates that eating dirt or clay can provide certain health benefits, such as mineral supplementation and modulation of the gut microbiome, though it also carries potential toxicological risks.
The retrieved literature consistently notes that geophagy (soil consumption) has historical and modern perceived or demonstrated benefits, including mineral supplementation and positive modulation of gut microbiota or alleviation of colitis (as shown in animal models), while also acknowledging safety risks like heavy metals or pathogens. Therefore, the claim is supported.
Eating dirt can provide potential mineral supplementation and gut microbiome modulation in some contexts, but also carries toxicological risks.
Davies TC. Current status of research and gaps in knowledge of geophagic practices in Africa.. 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1084589
The review notes that geophagy is thought to have beneficial effects, such as acting as a nutrient supplement.
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Mafe AN, Makinde O, Adeleke RA. Geophagia among pregnant women: evaluating the microbiological and toxicological safety of calabash chalk and its implications on maternal health.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-025-02656-w
The article discusses potential nutritional benefits from minerals like calcium and iron as well as possible probiotic effects.
Li M, Feng Y, Cao X, Li N, Chen X, Bai Z, Fei Z, Lu Z, Zhang H, Zhou D. Comparable efficacy and mechanisms of sterile soil ingestion versus low hygiene exposure in DSS-induced colitis.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.02415-25
The experimental study demonstrates that soil ingestion can reshape gut microbiota and alleviate colitis in mice.
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