Evidence in the bones reveals rickets in Roman times

[helvella]

Somewhat off-topic, but at the same time, hopefully of relevance.

I'd be very interested if, eventually, archaeologists were able to detect thyroid issues - even without soft tissue remains being available. Even more so, if prevalence of auto-immune hypothyroidism could be determined. (Even with good basic research backing it up, I suspect any technique used would be questionable as it is impossible to fully validate it.)

Evidence in the bones reveals rickets in Roman times

Research finds vitamin D deficiency was a widespread phenomenon 2,000 years ago

Rest of article available here:

theguardian.com/science/201...

[TSH110]

Very interesting, thanks for posting. It would be great if thyroid disease became detectable from 2000 year old remains, given it seems a mammoth task for medics today with specimens that are alive and kicking...albeit slowly!

[Baobabs in reply to TSH110]

Just love it!

[Baobabs]

So informative, thanks! Well having osteoporosis, I would like to know if they find evidence of this in the bones of 'past' humans. So much info suggests it is a 20/21st century disease but I have my doubts.