Was there a need for high carbohydrate content in Neanderthal diets?

Objectives In a recent paper, Hardy et al. (2022, Journal of Human Evolution 162: 103105) claim that the physiological Neanderthal requirement for plant carbohydrates may have reached 50%–60% caloric intake, inferred from modern dietary guidelines and putative need high carbohydrate intake in pregnant/breastfeeding women athletes. The aim this article is to critically re-examine these arguments under premise hominins could adapt hypercarnivorous diets low consumption. Materials Methods Literature on ketogenic carnivore was retrieved. A case report male rugby player voluntarily undertaking diet medical supervision presented. Results metabolism highly flexible towards adapting long-term intakes by producing utilizing ketone bodies. evidence base weak, recommendations athletes during pregnancy/lactation are uncertain, making translation questionable. studied maintained his sports performance health over 4-months period despite minimal intake. Discussion physiology appears an extraordinary ability utilize bodies as fuel brain skeletal muscle, particular also exercise. Neanderthals interpretation studies subjects not adapted ketosis be biased “glucocentric” perspective supposing necessary maintaining health. Allowing possibility keto-adaption leads more coherent integration archeological data.