In aquatic contexts, marine foods typically produce higher nitrogen-15 values than terrestrial foods at the same trophic level.

For the chultún assemblage, the isotope data provided several useful types of information.

First, by comparing the isotope profiles of individuals identified as close relatives through genomic analysis, researchers could assess whether relatives shared similar dietary patterns — which they did, consistent with having been raised in the same household.

This cross-validation between the genetic and isotopic data strengthened both findings.

Second, the overall dietary patterns suggested by the isotope data placed the children within a Maya dietary context recognizable from other sites in the region.