The Claim
Fly larvae feeding on decomposing human muscle tissue exhibit nitrogen isotope values (δ¹⁵N) ranging from 5.4‰ to 43.2‰, which are substantially higher than those of herbivores (average 5.2‰) and carnivores (average 8.8‰), and consumption of these larvae may substantially elevate the isotopic signature of hominins who ingested them.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Fly larvae that feed on decomposing human muscle tissue have unusually high levels of a specific nitrogen isotope compared to herbivores and carnivores. If early humans ate these larvae, their own isotopic signature could show a similar elevation.
See the scientific wording
Fly larvae feeding on decomposing human muscle tissue exhibit nitrogen isotope values (δ¹⁵N) ranging from 5.4‰ to 43.2‰, far exceeding the δ¹⁵N values of herbivores (average 5.2‰) and carnivores (average 8.8‰), suggesting that consumption of such larvae could substantially elevate the isotopic signature of hominins who ingested them.
When animal tissue starts to rot, bacteria break it down and release a lighter form of nitrogen into the air, leaving behind a heavier form. Fly larvae eat this rotting tissue and the surrounding gooey fluid, which is now full of the heavier nitrogen. As the larvae grow, they use that heavy nitrogen to build their own bodies, making their tissues much heavier in nitrogen than the original meat. When a human eats these larvae, the heavy nitrogen gets absorbed into their body too, making their isotopic signature look like they ate a lot of meat—even if they didn’t.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Neanderthals, hypercarnivores, and maggots: Insights from stable nitrogen isotopes
Flies that lay eggs on rotting meat grow into maggots that soak up weirdly high levels of a nitrogen isotope. If early humans ate that rotting meat along with the maggots, their bodies would show the same high isotope levels—not because they ate lots of meat, but because they ate the maggots.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.