By Awa B. Bah
Concerned observers have raised alarm on what they said is the increasing habit of chewing a clay-like substance, called “Keew”, among women, particularly those who are pregnant. According to them, this habit is becoming rampant among young women.
It is even claimed that babies of mothers who developed the habit when they were pregnant would at the time of their birth have their eyes and nostrils covered with the particles of this substance.

The issue has raised questions of health and nutrition which prompted Foroyaa to seek expert explanation or scientific facts as regards the craving for ‘Keew’. This is why the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), the competent institution on matters of nutrition, was approached to get their position on the issue.
Below is the response given by Mrs. Isatou Jeng Ngum, Acting Principal Progrmme Officer-NaNA, when asked to share information with our readers as to whether the consumption of the substance called ‘Keew’ has any nutritional value or health implications;

Food Craving
A food craving is a strong desire to consume a specific food, as opposed to general hunger. Food cravings are commonly seen in pregnant women. The craving of non-food items is called ‘Pica’. The condition’s name comes from the Latin word for magpie, the bird known for eating almost anything. Pica is a medical disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are not nutritive e.g. clay, coal, soil etc. or an abnormal appetite for some things that may be considered foods, such as food ingredients e.g. flour, raw potato, raw rice etc. Pica is seen in all ages, particularly in pregnant women, small children, and those with developmental disabilities. In The Gambia some women, especially pregnant women, are in the habit of chewing a clay-like substance called ‘Keew”.
Causes
The little research that has been done on the causes of pica suggests that in many cases the disorder is caused by a deficiency in minerals, especially iron deficiency. Minerals are nutrients required by the body in small quantities but are nonetheless essential for normal body function. Examples of minerals are Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Iron.

Health implications
Research has shown that these habits have negative side-effects on the health of the women, ranging from parasitic infestations, anaemia and intestinal complications.

Advice
Pregnant women and others in the habit of eating “keew” should ignore these cravings for the sake of their health. As the most probable cause for chewing “keew” in pregnant women in The Gambia is likely to be a deficiency in iron, pregnant women are advised to eat foods that are rich in iron such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and beans. Also if affordable, red meat, liver and offal meats, which are rich sources of iron. Chicken and fish are also good sources. Pregnant women are also advised to take the iron foliate tablets that are given to every pregnant woman in The Gambia upon registration at a health facility.