Heterogeneity in experiences of vitamin D deficiency in an early to mid-19th century population from Montreal, Quebec

Objective

To use the prevalence of prenatal/infancy interglobular dentine (IGD) as a proxy for suboptimal vitamin D status and explore its link to mortality, biological sex, cultural behaviours and environmental factors during the end of the pre-industrial/ beginning of the industrial period.

Materials

50 skeletons from the St. Antoine cemetery (1799–1854), Montreal, Quebec with a well-preserved first mandibular molar.

Methods

Thin sections were prepared for histological examination of IGD in crown dentine.

Results

IGD prevalence was 74 % (37/50) and not significantly correlated statistically to sex and age-at-death. Most IGD occurred at birth and up to 3 years-old, six individuals were affected in utero, 54 % of the sample (27/50) presented longstanding IGD and six individuals displayed multiple IGD episodes.

Conclusions

Prenatal IGD episodes revealed suboptimal maternal vitamin D levels, which, alongside a high frequency of IGD episodes around birth/from birth until a certain age, suggest cultural influences. Multiple and longstanding IGD episodes might also reflect suboptimal seasonal vitamin D attainment.

Significance

This study provides in-depth data on IGD within a relatively large archaeological North American sample, proving relevant to epidemiological studies on suboptimal vitamin status in 19th century Montreal.

Limitations

The total number of IGD episodes is underestimated due to methodological biases; first-generation migrants in this study could not be identified and excluded from the sample.

Suggestions for further research

Use of a larger sample with a wider age-at-death range; further research on infants and children to investigate links between growth and lesion formation and visibility.