| Abstract: |
Prehispanic burials from the Canary Islands are often well preserved. Many of the bodies are mummified, most of them were not interred, but deposited in caves. Bone histological and trace element analysis of 117 skeletons of the prehispanic period of the Canary Islands was performed. In some of the islands we have found a high prevalence of osteoporosis, whereas in others, histomorphometrically assessed trabecular bone mass (TBM) (in undecalcified iliac crest specimens) was in the normal range. Bone trace elements analysis have shown high bone S(r), Mg and Mn, and low Fe, Zn and Cu in those skeletons with a more reduced TBM. These facts speak for a relative protein-calorie malnutrition and a consumption of a mainly vegetarian diet. This is especially marked in the skeletons from Gran Canaria. pg 210 Osteoporosis is defined by the reduction in the mass of bone per unit volume. Histologically there is a decrease in cortical thickness and in the number and size of the trabeculae of cancellous bone (Krane 1983). pg 212 High bone values of Sr, Mg, Mn, and Co are indicative of Minly vegetarian diet, and high Zn, Cu, and Fe of a carnivorous (Gilbert and Mielke 1985). The excessive consumption of either of the other may lead to osteoporosis. pg 213 A diet high in Mg, Sr, and Mn - and lower Zn values - suggest consumption of a mainly vegetarian diet. NOTE: soil contamination may lead to high degrees of some elements, e.g., Mg. Sr, however, along with some other elements, are noteably low in soils. Malnourishment can be reflected by a high prevalence of osteoporosis and the bone concentration of trace elements, indicative of mainly exclusive diets of either vegetables or meats. NOTE: need to mention food practices as well as economy.
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