Gutka’s ill-effects go beyond cancer

The biggest argument made against the consumption of gutka, and rightly so, is that it is the leading cause of oral cancer across the country.

But what is perhaps often overlooked when speaking of the health impact of gutka addiction is a host of other medical problems that the continued consumption of the substance can cause.

According to Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, head and neck cancer surgeon at Tata Memorial Centre, gutka and even pan masala, apart from containing cancer causing agents like tobacco and areca nut, also contain many non-food grade agents and chemicals that can cause a variety of medical conditions, from heart attack to infertility.

“Gutka contains heavy amounts of magnesium as well as calcium carbonate which are very toxic chemicals,” said Dr Chaturvedi.

“High amounts of magnesium carbonate in the human body can cause respiratory and cardiac depression, while calcium carbonate or lime damages the mucosa, causing chronic mucosal injuries and ulcers in the mouth. Apart from this, gutka can also cause hypertension and cause reproductive health dysfunction.”

Dr Chaturvedi’s words are substantiated by a health report filed by the National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi, at the behest of a Supreme Court order dated July 7, 2012. The report, which compiles information from studies done all around the world on the harmful effects of gutka consumption, not only refers to the many different kinds of cancers, but also lists seven non-cancerous diseases that can be caused by gutka consumption.

The report, which was filed by a committee of experts which included Dr Chaturvedi, says that hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, nervous system disorders, liver and kidney diseases, reproductive health dysfunctions, oro-dental problems, metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity, and psychological disorders including addiction, can be caused by excessive consumption of gutka.

Areca nut or supari, which is an ingredient in gutka as well as pan masala, is considered to be the main culprit, according to the report. The report refers to numerous studies which relate areca nut with sub-clinical ischemic heart disease (IHD) in diabetic patients, hypertension, nervous system disorders like epilepsy, metabolic dysfunctions like hyperglycaemia and reproductive dysfunctions such as premature birth, lower birth weight in babies as well as infertility.

The report also states that two studies each have found areca nut use associated with significantly increased risk of development of liver cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease and urinary stone disease.

“It is a common misconception among the public that gutka and pan masala consumption only cause cancer. There are a host of other very serious diseases that can occur due to addiction to such toxic substances,” added Dr Chaturvedi.