Isotope analysis of human dental calculus δ¹³ CO₃ ^2- : Investigating a potential new proxy for sugar consumption.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Dental calculus (mineralised dental plaque) is composed primarily of hydroxyapatite. We hypothesise that the carbonate component of dental calculus will reflect the isotopic composition of ingested simple carbohydrates. Therefore, dental calculus carbonates may be an indicator for sugar consumption, and an alternative to bone carbonate in isotopic palaeodiet studies.

Methods

We utilised Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance analysis to characterise the composition and crystallisation of bone and dental calculus before isotope analysis of carbonate. Using a Sercon 20-22 mass spectrometer coupled with a Sercon GSL sample preparation system and an IsoPrime 100 dual inlet mass spectrometer plus Multiprep device to measure carbon, we tested the potenti

SUBMITTER: Chidimuro B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9286614 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature