A new study on 21 ancient mummified Egyptian children shows that these children could have widely suffered from anemia and may have experienced other health problems, including growth defects and malnutrition.
Mummies Show Health Issues of Ancient Egyptian Children
Live Science reports that the research team used full-body CT scans to study the specimen in a non-destructive manner. The remains covered 21 different child mummies that passed away between 1 and 14 years old. The team looked for telltale signs of anemia, such as abnormal leg, arm, and skull growth. The study was reported in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology.
This study might be the first to look into anemia signs in children that are mummified. The specimens cover various child mummies from different areas across ancient Egypt. They date as far back as the Old Kingdom in 3000 B.C. all the way to the Roman era in A.D. 400.
Among the 21 mummies, seven of them (33%) exhibited anemia signs, specifically having thicker skull bones.
Sahar Saleem, a professor and head of radiology from Cairo University and an Egyptian Mummy Project member who did not participate in the study, explains that the anemia research may reveal the dietary inadequacies, health concerns, and social standards of prehistoric societies.
According to the Jerusalem Post, researchers from Italy, Germany, and the US noted that the prevalence of anemia among ancient Egyptian children may have been due to parasitic infections, malnutrition, and genetic conditions. All of these are prevalent causes of anemia at present.
Overall, the study was able to uncover issues related to anemia among the ancient mummified Egyptian children. One mummified child, who was roughly a year old, exhibited signs of thalassemia, which is an inherited blood condition that may lead to mild to severe anemia due to the reduced production of hemoglobin. He also had a tongue that was enlarged and a condition called "rodent facies," which refers to abnormal cheek bone growth and skull elongation. The researchers theorized that the child's severe anemia and other health issues may have led to his death.
It is important to note, however, that the study's sample of 21 mummies does not represent the whole population of children or the entire time period. Nevertheless, the researchers think that this study could pave the way for further study regarding anemia or other ancient health concerns.
Anemia
Bioarchaeologist Indigo Reeve from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, who did not participate in the study, explains that anemia refers to the lack of hemoglobin, or healthy red blood cells. Such a condition is influenced by different causes, which may include genetic disorders, infections, and dietary deficiencies. All of these may lead to poor nutrient absorption and blood loss in the intestines.
Anemia typically leads to weakness and fatigue. The condition can also cause irregularities in one's heartbeat. Moreover, while this depends on the severity and type of anemia, the condition could be dangerous and life-threatening.
Among children, anemia may lead to the expansion of certain types of bone marrow, which can be found at most bone centers. This, in turn, could foster abnormal or unusual bone growth.
According to the World Health Organization, around 40% of children from 6 to 39 months old have anemia.
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