Researchers analysing hardened plaque from eight people buried in Edo-era Osaka detected 38 dietary prote

Researchers have examined calcified dental plaque from the remains of eight individuals interred in Osaka during the Edo period, identifying 38 distinct dietary proteins.

The study focused on dental calculus, a substance that can preserve microscopic evidence of ancient diets. By analyzing this hardened plaque, the team was able to detect a variety of proteins that provide insight into the foods consumed by people living in Osaka several centuries ago.

The research involved extracting and sequencing proteins from the dental calculus samples. The results revealed the presence of proteins associated with a range of foods, including rice, wheat, barley, soybeans, and fish. These findings suggest a diverse diet among the individuals studied, reflecting the food culture of the Edo era in Osaka.

According to the researchers, the identification of 38 dietary proteins demonstrates the potential of dental calculus analysis to reconstruct historical eating habits. The study offers a new perspective on the dietary practices of past populations and contributes to a better understanding of historical nutrition in Japan.