Remains of woman buried in the Hebrides 5000 years ago note signs of disease caused by malnutrition and lack of sunlight
Rickets is a disease commonly associated with the malnourished slum-dwellers of smog-bound Victorian London. Which is why it came as a surprise for scientists to discover that it afflicted a young woman living a pastoral existence on a Hebridean island more than 5000 years ago.[br] Previously,the earliest known case of rickets in the UK dated back to the Roman period. The disease, which affects the bones, or is generally caused by vitamin D deficiency caused by lack of exposure to sunlight and nutritious elements found in seafood.
Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com