Analyses of human dentine and tooth enamel by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to study the diet of medieval Muslim individuals from Tauste (Spain)

Trace elements have been analysed in 23 tooth enamel and dentine samples from a Muslim population in Tauste (North Spain) to investigate health and palaeodietary patterns during the 8th-10th centuries. LA-ICP-MS technique was used to determine the chemical composition of teeth. Post-burial alteration was established by REE and U high content (1 > μg/g) and several samples, mainly of deciduous teeth, were discarded. Trace elements show different behaviour in dentine and enamel related to the composition of tissues. Five individuals had high Pb contents (ranging between 2 and 30 μg/g) suggesting intoxication by occupational exposure to anthropogenic lead. Considering the period of time, individual lead intoxication could be attributed to working activity. Young individuals vs adults, and males vs females show different food intake, probably due to sexual division of labour or social status. The palaeodietary pattern of the Tauste population provides insights into this Muslim community.