The Neanderthal meal: a new perspective using faecal biomarkers

Area of Science:

• Paleoanthropology
• Biogeochemistry
• Archaeology

Background:

• Neanderthal dietary reconstructions have relied on indirect evidence, potentially underestimating plant consumption.
• Previous studies suggested a largely carnivorous diet, with some evidence for plant intake from dental calculus and palaeobotany.
• No definitive conclusion on Neanderthal omnivory has been reached.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide direct evidence of Neanderthal diet using faecal biomarkers.
• To analyze the oldest identified human fecal matter from the Middle Palaeolithic.
• To investigate Neanderthal dietary habits and cholesterol metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Faecal biomarker analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Identification of cholesterol conversion to coprostanol and plant sterols (5β-stigmastanol).
• Analysis of sediment samples from occupation floors at the El Salt site (Spain).

Main Results:

• The oldest direct identification of human fecal matter (Neanderthal) was achieved.
• Neanderthals exhibited high cholesterol conversion to coprostanol, similar to modern humans, indicating gut bacteria.
• Predominant meat consumption was indicated by high coprostanol, alongside significant plant intake evidenced by 5β-stigmastanol.

Conclusions:

• Faecal biomarker analysis is a valuable tool for direct palaeodietary information in Pleistocene contexts.
• Neanderthals consumed a mixed diet of meat and plants, challenging purely carnivorous reconstructions.
• Further research into cholesterol metabolism during human evolution is warranted.