YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU EAT DURING STRESS: AN ISOTOPIC EVALUATION OF HUMAN HAIR FROM BELLEVILLE, ONTARIO

This study analyzed carbon and nitrogen isotope values in human hair from early settlers in Belleville, Ontario, to assess health status before death. By examining hair segments, researchers found that elevated δ¹⁵N values, which increased by more than 1‰, were associated with pathological conditions like chronic illness or injury, while a decrease by 1‰ was noted in possibly pregnant individuals. In contrast, δ¹³C values remained stable. The findings from 10 individuals suggested that δ¹⁵N values could indicate physiological stress, highlighting their potential use beyond dietary studies.