Micro‐CT assessment of dental mineralization defects indicative of vitamin D deficiency in two 17th–19th century Dutch communities

A groundbreaking study reveals that vitamin D deficiency was not only prevalent but also recurrent and seasonal among 17th–19th century Dutch communities, with some episodes occurring annually. Using microscopic computed tomography (micro-CT) to assess interglobular dentine (IGD) in teeth, researchers found that 65.5% of individuals exhibited signs of vitamin D deficiency, while a significant portion experienced multiple deficient periods. Notably, IGD was detected in the dentine formed around birth in three individuals, suggesting maternal vitamin D deficiency. This non-destructive method provides valuable insights into the influence of sociocultural practices and latitude on disease development within age and sex groups in past communities.

Veselka, B., Brickley, M. B., D’Ortenzio, L., Kahlon, B., Hoogland, M. L. P., & Waters‐Rist, A. L. (2019). Micro‐CT assessment of dental mineralization defects indicative of vitamin D deficiency in two 17th–19th century Dutch communities. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 169(1), 122–131. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.23819