Reproductive immunosuppression and diet: an evolutionary perspective on pregnancy sickness and meat consumption

Current Anthropology Vol/Iss. 43 Published In Pages: 19-61
By Fessler, Daniel M.T.

Abstract

This article examines meat avoidance during pregnancy as an evolutionary adaptation. Data suggests that during pregnancy, meat avoidance is significantly more common cross-culturally than other types of food avoidance. The timing of meat avoidance, the presence of meat-borne pathogens, and sensory and ingestive changes in early pregnancy are also discussed.

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By:Amelia Piazza