Science & Technology, New Zealand (Commonwealth Union) – During the Industrial Revolution, Rickets became prevalent among children, yet recent research led by the University of Otago suggests that factory labor and urban pollution might not solely account for the era’s vitamin D deficiencies.
In a study funded by Marsden and newly published in PLOS One, a team of researchers from Otago, Durham University, University of Edinburgh, University of Brighton, and University of Queensland analyzed teeth from a cemetery site in industrial-era England, seeking microscopic indicators of nutritional ailments.
Dr. Annie Sohler-Snoddy, the lead author and a Research Fellow in Otago’s Department of Anatomy, pointed out that they uncovered compelling evidence of seasonal vitamin D deficiency in this archaeological sample.
For many years, it has been recognized that there was an uptick in rickets—a childhood bone disease stemming from vitamin D deficiency—during 18th and 19th Century Europe.
“It has been assumed that this was due to more people, including children, working long hours indoors, living in crowded housing and in smog-filled environments, all of which reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches a person’s skin, which is the main way humans make vitamin D.”
The use of bioarchaeology has in recent years been a key contributor to science which lies in its ability to uncover the health status of past populations. Through the examination of skeletal remains, researchers can identify evidence of diseases, nutritional deficiencies, trauma, and overall health conditions prevalent in ancient societies. This information provides valuable insights into the living conditions, dietary habits, and medical practices of past civilizations.
Bioarchaeology also plays a crucial role in unraveling patterns of human migration and interaction. By examining isotopic signatures in skeletal remains, researchers can trace the movement of ancient populations and uncover connections between different regions. This allows us to understand how people migrated, interacted with neighboring groups, and adapted to changing environments over time.
With the application of new bioarchaeological techniques, researchers of the study were able to gain a significantly more detailed understanding of how vitamin D deficiency impacted the inhabitants of industrial England, going beyond mere observation of bone deformities.
The investigation uncovered indicators linked to vitamin D deficiency within the inner structure of 76 percent of the analyzed teeth. These markers appeared consistently in numerous samples, often occurring in yearly increments.
“This shows clear evidence of seasonal vitamin D deficiency in the teeth of people living in the north of England.
“This is exciting because it highlights that latitude and seasonal lack of sunlight was a major factor in the amount of vitamin D these people could make in their skin – it’s more complicated than the factors associated with the industrial revolution like working indoors more,” said Dr Sohler-Snoddy.
Inadequate levels of vitamin D have been linked to various adverse health effects, such as heightened susceptibility to infectious diseases, cardiovascular issues, and certain cancers.
Vitamin D deficiency remains a persistent concern in society. Dr. Sohler-Snoddy emphasizes the importance of investigating historical occurrences to better guide contemporary strategies in addressing this condition.
“We tend to think of archaeological human remains as belonging to a different world, but our biology hasn’t changed in the last 200 years.
“Teeth provide a really important source of information for archaeologists as they form in a very precise chronology and, importantly, their tissues do not change over the lifespan. This means that they lock in a record of a person’s development and this stays with them until they die, or the tooth is lost.
“Understanding how vitamin D deficiency impacted past populations and why gives us an important deep-time perspective on the disease,” said Dr. Sohler-Snoddy.
From supporting bone health to regulating immune function, vitamin D serves a multitude of essential functions within the body. Despite its importance, many individuals worldwide struggle to maintain adequate levels of this vital nutrient.
One of the primary roles of vitamin D is to facilitate the absorption of calcium in the intestines, thereby promoting strong and healthy bones. Calcium is essential for maintaining bone density and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and osteomalacia. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body cannot effectively absorb calcium from the diet, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures and bone deformities.
Vitamin D also plays a critical role in regulating the immune system and supporting immune function. Adequate levels of vitamin D have been associated with a reduced risk of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a lower susceptibility to respiratory infections like the common cold and influenza.
