Research on Desert Clay

Controlled studies by Benjamin H. Ershoff, Ph.D., were submitted to N.A.S.A. Manned Spacecraft Center on Physiologic Effects of Dietary Clay Supplements, contain unquestionable results.  Clays used were obtained from a deposit in the Mojave Desert. The samples contained no detectable plant organic matter or quartz sand.

Studies were conducted on the effects of clay supplementation on the weight increment and microscopic appearance of the long bones of immature male rats, hamsters, mice and miniature pigs.  They were fed a low calcium, low protein, low fat, non-heat-processed, wheat flour-containing ration.  Findings indicate that the clay supplementation at levels of 1%, 2% and 4% in the above diet caused a highly significant increment in body weight and prevented the occurrence of pathological changes which were observed in the long bones of immature rats, hamsters and mice fed the un-supplemented diet.

Effects were proportional to the level of clay supplement fed.  The protective effect of the clay supplement was also observed on the microscopic and radiological appearance of the long bones of miniature pigs, although in this species no growth-promoting effect was noted.  Clay supplementation at the above levels of feeding was also active in promoting growth and preventing pathological changes in the long bones of rats fed (a) a low calcium, low protein, low fat rye flour-containing ration (b) a highly purified calcium-deficient ration containing casein as the source of dietary protein, and (c) a highly purified, calcium-deficient ration containing methionine-supplemented soy protein as the source of dietary protein.  Findings indicate that the protective effects of the clay supplement when fed with the wheat flour and rye flour-containing rations were due in large part to some factor or factors OTHER THAN its calcium content.  The beneficial effects of clay supplementation when fed with the purified casein containing, soy protein containing rations, however, were due primarily to its serving as a source of dietary calcium. Evidence was obtained that the clay supplement contained some factor or factors other than calcium, which promoted improved calcium utilization and/or bone formation.  A number of clays were tested and found to differ significantly in growth-promoting activity.

Of possible pertinence to the above is the report by Cooper that “Keepers in the Baltimore Zoo routinely supply to the kangaroos three to four pounds of red clay per week as a dietary supplement. In discussing this with the administrative and veterinary staff of the zoo they said it is common knowledge among zoo keepers that kangaroos in captivity are liable to develop lesions in the mouth which are more or less comparable to canine black tongue.  When this condition in the kangaroo is discovered very early, it can be treated successfully by the administration of the B-complex (untreated, it is rapidly fatal) but it can be avoided entirely by supplying red clay to the animals regularly.”

Physiologic Effects of Dietary Clay Supplements, Investigator: Benjamin H. Ershoff, Ph.D., Institution:

Institute for Biological Research, 5345 W. 102nd Street, Los Angeles, CA. Submitted to NASA Manned