A UK-based lecturer has cautioned pregnant women against eating white clay (Ayilo) warning that the baked clay snack often contains toxic heavy metals and pathogens.
According to a senior lecturer at York St. John University, UK, Dr. Albert Dayor Piersson, research by the university, found that ‘Ayilo’, also known as shile, shirew, or kaolin, is a naturally occurring bentonite or kaolin clay. It is mined, shaped into egg-like balls or chunks, baked or smoked, and often contains toxic heavy metals and pathogens.
He said this makes it a risky and non-nutritious substance for pregnant women.
“I would not encourage pregnant women to consume Ayilo. Many studies have found toxic heavy metals and pathogens in it, making it a very risky, non-nutritious substance to consume during pregnancy,” Dr. Piersson stated during GTV’s Breakfast Show monitored by Angel Online.
He explained that the craving for ‘Ayilo’ is common during pregnancy and that midwives often have their own ways of counseling pregnant women to avoid it.
However, he noted that the craving itself could be a sign of iron deficiency.
