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The constant consumption of caolin (ayilo) can cause anaemia. This is because caolin contains chemical elements like aluminium, arsenic, barioum and nickel which compete with the red blood cells for nutrients. Caolin also causes a reduction in the level of iron. A nurse practitioner at the Mountefiore Medical Centre, New York, Ms Muniratu Alhassan told The Spectator that caolin was a very good absorber and had the ability to deplete the red blood cells. Constipation She said caolin causes constipation which leads to the creation of deep sores in the anus. It could cause severe diarrhoea and other irreversible disorders. Asked if the substance was a remedy for acne, she replied in the affirmative but said since it is a good absorber, it had the ability to absorb the oil in the face which causes acne and that was the only advantage. Addiction She said since caolin is addictive, the best way is for people to abstain from it. Mrs Laurene Boateng, a dietician, advised Ghanaians to desist from eating the substance as if it has no nutritional value. Mrs Boateng who is also an Assistant Lecturer at the Department of Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, said in an interview with The Spectator on Wednesday that instead of consuming caolin, one should eat vegetables and with time, replace that habit. Dr. Akwasi Osei, the Director of Accra Psychiatric Hospital, when contacted debunked the assertion that addiction to caolin could result in mental challenges. �In my practice as a psychiatrist, I have never treated a patient who has a mental disorder as a result of consuming caolin. Any addict of caolin should be closely monitored. Probably, the person needs medical attention,� Dr Osei concluded.