Isotopic evidence for breastfeeding and possible adult dietary differences from Late/Sub-Roman Britain.
Historical documents indicate that breastfeeding and weaning practices have fluctuated in England through history. In order to obtain evidence for general breastfeeding patterns in Late/Sub-Roman Britain, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values were measured in juvenile and adult skeletons (n = 87) from the cemetery of Queenford Farm, Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. As the site contained few individuals between 0-1.5 years of age, it was not possible to determine the initial timing for the introduction of weaning foods. Between ages 2-4 years, the mean +/- SD delta(13)C results (-20.2 +/- 0.3 per thousand) are significantly more negative (t = -4.03, P < 0.001) compared to adult females (-19.7 +/- 0.3 per thousand). This is interpreted as evidence of a different diet being fed to children during weaning. After age 2, the delta(15)N values gradually decline, indicating complete cessation of breastfeeding by 3-4 years. Among adults, stature (males = 1.68 +/- 0.06 m; females = 1.58 +/- 0.07 m) and sexual dimorphism (106) were low, suggesting that the population was possibly under environmental stress. The delta(13)C results for adults are similar, but females show a small but statistically significantly (t = -2.86, P < 0.01) lower mean delta(15)N value (9.9 +/- 0.9 per thousand) compared to males (10.6 +/- 0.5 per thousand). These lower female delta(15)N values possibly reflect the different physiology of the sexes (pregnancy and/or lactation) or the reduced consumption of animal/fish protein by women, and this may have been influenced by individual preference, family needs, or societal values of the era.
Fuller
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BT
Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. benjamin.fuller@sthughs-oxford.com
Molleson
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TI
Harris
D A
DA
Gilmour
L T
LT
Hedges
R E M
RE
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry*; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004032:Diet / Q000266:history*; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D005260:Female; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D018644:Roman World / Q000266:history*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D006113:United Kingdom; D014886:Weaning
D002247:Carbon Isotopes; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes