Osteological evidence of metabolic diseases from a post medieval North Italy archaeological site

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Bioarchaeology
• Pediatric Osteology

Background:

• Systematic investigation of skeletal lesions from metabolic diseases in children is a recent focus in paleopathology.
• This study examines an infant pathological specimen from the post-medieval cemetery of St. Mary's Nativity church (15th-18th centuries, Segno, Italy).

Observation:

• The specimen belonged to an infant approximately 9 months old, with age estimated via dental eruption stage.
• Paleopathological criteria were used to diagnose metabolic diseases based on existing literature.
• Osteological evidence suggests a condition possibly resulting from vitamin C or vitamin D deficiency.

Findings:

• The infant's skeletal lesions are consistent with metabolic diseases, specifically potential vitamin D or C deficiency.
• This case provides evidence of metabolic diseases in a rural Italian population during the post-medieval period.

Implications:

• Studying ancient osteoarchaeological materials improves knowledge of disease effects on child bone development.
• This finding contributes to the understanding of historical disease prevalence and nutritional deficiencies in pediatric populations.