MRITIKA BHAKSHAN JANYA PANDU: A CLINICAL AND AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON ANEMIA DUE TO GEOPHAGIA

Mritikabhakshan (soil ingestion) Janya (caused by) Pandu (anemia), or iron deficiency anemia, is a common health disorder affecting a large proportion of the world's population, especially in developing countries. The underlying cause is iron deficiency, which reduces the body's ability to produce sufficient hemoglobin, a critical component of red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Mritikabhakshan Janya Pandu, a condition that describes anemia caused by geophagia, or the consumption of soil or clay. Eating dirt or soil-like stuff known as geophagia, is a big issue in some cultures especially for kids and pregnant women. In Ayurveda, people call this "Mritikabhakshan," which means eating clay or soil. This habit can lead to health problems, including anemia, which Ayurveda calls "Pandu Roga (anemia)." This research looks at anemia caused by geophagia from both modern medical and Ayurvedic points of view, bringing together insights from both fields. The clinical view shows how eating dirt has an impact on iron deficiency anemia. Soil consumption gets in the way of nutrient absorption and causes gut problems. From an Ayurvedic standpoint, Mritikabhakshan Janya Pandu stems from weak Agni (digestive fire) and a buildup of Ama (toxins). This leads to imbalances in Doshas (fundamental energies) Pitta and Kapha. Ayurvedic writing stresses that poor eating habits and mental factors can trigger this behavior.