EDIBLE CLAY INGESTION ALTERS THE RENAL FUNCTION OF NON-PREGNANT FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Edible clay is mainly consumed by women and children in specific regions of the world. However, studies have shown that its consumption tends to expose consumers to heavy metal toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the effect of edible clay ingestion on the renal function of Female Wistar rats. Forty (40) female Wistar rats (150–200 g) were assigned to four groups, each split into two subgroups (day 14 and day 28) with five rats (n = 5). Group 1 received distilled water (control), while Groups 2–4 were given edible clay suspensions at 400 mg/ kg (low dose), 800 mg/kg (medium dose), and 1600 mg/kg (high dose). On days 14 and 28, rats were sacrificed for blood serum and kidney collection to assess renal function markers and histology. On day 14, high-dose edible clay significantly reduced serum potassium, while bicarbonate levels increased across all doses, and creatinine rose in the low and medium groups. By day 28, serum urea and bicarbonate levels were significantly elevated across all doses, with creatinine also increased in the medium-dose group. Histology revealed normal kidney architecture with dose-dependent interstitial congestion due to increased blood flow. This study has shown that prolonged ingestion of edible clay may have deleterious effect on renal functions.