Nutrition at High Altitude: Ariadna Lucero

This is an exciting post for us. It combines our love of the mountains and the people who live and work in them, with the interesting medical conditions that come with life up high.

Please welcome Ariadna Lucero, who we met through our friends at Extreme Medicine, the medical providers at Mt Aconcagua. Ariadna’s interest in the gastrointestinal issues of people living at higher altitudes or with difficult water supply systems links in with our patient population at the Wongchhu Sherpa Memorial Hospital, so we were excited to talk to her about her nutrition research. We’re honored she did this interview with us and hope to work together in the future as she is doing such important work.

Thank you Ariadna, Jam Jam!!

Ariadna on top of Mt Kala Pattar, with Mt Everest in the background

Nutrition Research at High Altitude: Interview with Ariadna Lucero

Musa: Introduce yourself. Please tell a bit about your profession and personal history.

Ariadna: Hello! My name is Ariadna Lucero, I’m from Argentina and I’m 25 years old. I studied Nutrition at the University of Mendoza, Argentina, and for four seasons, I worked at Plaza de Mulas Base Camp on Mount Aconcagua. For me, the mountains are a place where I find fulfillment; they help me connect my ideas and projects in a unique way. Over time, I developed a desire to combine my professional career with my love for the mountains, developing projects that not only excite me but also benefit the mountaineering community, as a way to give back some of what this environment offers me. I’m currently working on my thesis about body composition and protein intake in the porters of Mount Aconcagua.

Musa: Can you tell us about your research trip to Nepal?

Ariadna: Thanks to my experience working at the base camps of Mount Aconcagua and my research in nutrition and body composition, I earned an internship at the Physiology and Hypoxia Laboratory at “Gabriele d’Annunzio” University in Chieti, Italy. This opportunity led me to join an outstanding research team and participate in the Pyramid 24 Exploration and Physiology project: Multisystem and Multiorgan Responses to Hypoxia in Human Adaptation of Different Geo-Origins in Nepal. For me, this opportunity was a dream come true, allowing me to continue growing professionally while exploring my passion for mountains and science.

My main task in Nepal was to assess dietary intake during the expedition through the use of food diaries. Along with the research team, I also worked on body composition assessments using BIA (bioimpedance) and anthropometry. These studies were part of a comprehensive project that addressed multiple physiological variables, evaluated before, during, and after the expedition, to analyze the changes that occur in the human body under extreme hypoxic conditions.

It was an incredible experience for me. I learned so much, both professionally and personally, and had the opportunity to connect with a new reality that deeply inspires me. Now, more than ever, I feel the desire to be part of this world and contribute through my work and research.

Research group all in front of the Italian Laboratory Pyramid Station

Musa: Where were you in Nepal?

Ariadna: We took the route to Everest Base Camp and reached the Pyramid Laboratory (5050m), where we spent five days conducting research tasks. During the trip, we also spent time in Kathmandu, where we immersed ourselves in the heart of Nepal’s culture, exploring its vibrant history and traditions. Additionally, I had the chance to visit the Khumbu Valley, which was, for me, the most amazing part of the experience. What impacted me the most was meeting the mountaineering community that lives in this region, whose culture and way of life are truly inspiring.

Musa: What are your thoughts on the issues you came to study and work on?

Ariadna: I believe the topics we went to study are of enormous relevance, especially in the context of high-altitude environments. The human body’s adaptation to hypoxia and extreme physical demands are fascinating areas that still have much to uncover. This type of research not only expands our scientific knowledge but also has practical applications to improve the quality of life and performance of those who live or work in extreme altitude conditions, such as mountaineering communities and high-altitude athletes. Working in this field motivates me to continue contributing with research that has a meaningful impact.

Musa: Was your visit successful?

Ariadna: Yes! It was a deeply inspiring experience. Not only did we achieve the research goals, but I also took away valuable lessons and experiences that have reinforced my passion for this field. Without a doubt, it was a success both professionally and personally.

Musa: What impacted you about Nepal?

Ariadna: I deeply connected with the villages and landscapes we visited on the way to the Pyramid Laboratory. The nature, tranquility, and simplicity of these places were beautiful and incredibly inspiring. In contrast, in Kathmandu, I felt a bit overwhelmed by the number of people, vehicles, and the smog. In general, I tend to connect more with natural spaces than with large cities, so this was the part that resonated least with me. However, it was interesting to experience both sides of Nepal. 

Ariadna relaxing with a marigold and prayer wheel behind her

Musa: For future research, what have you seen that motivates you to return to Nepal?

Ariadna: I would love to go back! Always with a clear purpose, seeking new ways to contribute to the community. Nepal left a profound mark on me, and the idea of returning to continue learning and contributing in any way I can is something that motivates me greatly.

During the trip, we visited the Himalayan Sherpa Hospital in Phakding, where we spoke with the  healthcare staff. They shared that one of the biggest concerns is the high prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases, the exact causes of which are still unknown but are attributed to the difficulty in maintaining proper sanitation in the valley communities. I believe this is one of the biggest challenges they face, as it directly affects the quality of life of the people living in this region. Improving sanitation conditions would be key to reducing the incidence of these diseases and promoting overall well-being in these communities.

In the field of physiology and hypoxia, I plan to start developing products that align with improving the performance and well-being of people who dedicate their lives to trekking through great mountains. I will also continue researching how our body responds when exposed to extreme environments. However, the most important thing I discovered during this trip is my need to connect socially with mountain communities. I am motivated to get involved in public health projects that improve the quality of life for people living in these environments, ensuring they have access to the necessary care and resources for their well-being.

Follow Ariadna on Instagram: @altanutricion_ar