Nutrition research center doctoral students bring healthy eating to schoolchildren

The nutritionists Natalia Vázquez and Gabriela Robayo, doctoral students of the research center in Nutrition of the School of Pharmacy and Nutrition of the University of Navarra, gave an informative session on healthy eating to the fifth grade student body of Education Jesuitas high school in Pamplona.

The activity was part of the high school 's owneducational project on health and they contacted the School to apply for a session adapted to their students. "It was a very nice and enriching opportunity to bring nutrition closer to the little ones and connect our daily work with the educational community," says Natalia Vázquez.

During the meeting, the doctoral students addressed in a dynamic and close way basic concepts about nutrition, from macronutrients and micronutrients and their function in the body or how a healthy food dish should be composed, to food allergies and intolerances and why it is important to respect them, including the differences between natural, processed and ultra-processed foods and how to read nutritional labeling.

According to the researchers, the response from the student body was particularly positive. "We were surprised by their curiosity and the level of knowledge they already had. When the information is presented with examples they recognize, their attention is multiplied," says Gabriela Robayo.

Both agree on the importance of transmitting healthy habits from an early age. "At this stage, many of the habits that will accompany them throughout their lives are consolidated. Offering them clear and attractive guidelines financial aid them to make healthier decisions and to build a positive relationship with food," says Vázquez.

Robayo adds that one of the core topic messages was that eating healthy does not imply strict rules, but learning to choose options that favor growth, energy and well-being: "We wanted to show that a balanced diet can be varied, colorful and also fun.

research that connects with society

In addition to their informative work, both are working on their doctoralthesis in the field of nutrition and obesity. Vázquez investigates risk factors associated with the development childhood obesity, analyzing intestinal microbiota, metabolomics and lifestyle within the CORALS longitudinal study.

Robayo studies the physiological, neuronal and psychological mechanisms that regulate appetite and how their alteration can lead to overeating.

Their specialized training - they both have a degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and a European Master's Degree in Food, Nutrition and Metabolism - together with their research experience allows them to clearly explain complex concepts and adapt them to an accessible language. "Working with scientific information on a daily basis has trained us to explain ideas clearly and to transform technical concepts into practical examples," says Robayo. They also affirm that knowledge dissemination is a natural complement to research. "It allows scientific knowledge to have a real impact on the community," says Vázquez.

Commitment to health Education

This is not the first time that the doctoral students have participated in educational initiatives. Last year they gave sessions on healthy habits at the CPEIP Ribaforada San Bartolomé and at the Nuestra Señora del Huertohigh school in Pamplona. "Each group requires adapting to their age and way of learning, and that makes each experience different and enriching," they agree. Looking to the future, both express their desire to continue collaborating with schools and other publics through this subject of activity: " HealthEducation from an early age is essential. These initiatives allow us to bring our work closer to society, promote healthy habits and learn from people's real concerns", concludes Robayo.