More vegetables may have been consumed by Neanderthals than previously thought, as suggested in research published in June 25 in the open access journal PLOS ONE.

The samples in this study may be the oldest known human faecal matter. The analysis suggests that Neanderthals predominantly consumed meat, as indicated by high proportions of a one faecal biomarker formed by the bacterial reduction of cholesterol in the gut (coprostanol), but the authors also found evidence of significant plant intake, as shown by the presence of a compound often found in plant sources (5β-stigmastanol). In support of the finding, microscopic examination of sediment from the same context yielded the identification of human coprolites. The authors hope that future studies using this biomarker approach may provide further insights into the role of vegetables in the Neanderthal diet.
Ainara Sistiaga added, "This study represents the first approach to Neanderthal diet through the analysis of fecal markers found in archaeological sediment."
Source-Eurekalert