People in Scotland have faced similar drops in their vitamin D levels during winter for over 400 years, even with huge changes in lifestyle and diet. This was revealed by a study conducted by researchers from the University of Aberdeen, Atlantic Technological University in Ireland, and Boise State University in the U.S.
The team published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports, showcasing a new method that measures vitamin D in hair samples. This innovative approach is the first of its kind applied to archaeological remains.
The researchers compared hair samples from supporters living in Aberdeen to an ancient specimen from a burial site in St Nicholas Kirk, dating back to the 16th or 17th century. Vitamin D is crucial for bone health and has links to chronic diseases and immunity. In Scotland, sunshine only provides enough ultraviolet rays for our bodies to produce vitamin D from April to September.
Getting vitamin D can also come from spending time outdoors or eating foods like oily fish. Kate Britton, the archaeologist leading the study, highlighted a clear seasonal pattern in the vitamin D levels observed in both modern and historical samples.
She pointed out, “You might think that advancements in diet and supplementation would reduce these seasonal variations. However, our findings show that many modern participants had vitamin D levels similar to those of people from hundreds of years ago. Levels were consistently higher in summer and lower in winter, despite changes in lifestyle.”
This research is groundbreaking. Instead of just looking for the severe effects of vitamin D deficiency in bones, like rickets, scientists can now use hair samples to get a clearer picture of vitamin D levels in the past. Britton noted, “This technique opens up new possibilities. If we can measure vitamin D this way, we could also examine other health factors from history, like stress or even drug use.”
Investigating vitamin D through hair rather than blood has its advantages for studying health today. Hair grows slowly, allowing scientists to track changes over several months instead of taking a one-time blood sample. Professor Baukje de Roos, who helped gather the modern hair samples, added that this approach can deepen our understanding of how vitamin D interacts with factors like diet and wellness.
In summary, this unique study reveals that despite our changing lifestyles, vitamin D levels during winter remain a challenge for people in Scotland. By analyzing hair samples, scientists can better understand past and present health trends. This research paves the way for a better grasp of vitamin D’s role in our health across time.
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