Nutrition at high altitude.
Food records confirm that there is a high risk of malnutrition at high altitudes because of the usual lack of fresh food. As to the use of pharmacologic properties of micronutrients, only some data on vitamin E are described. Two placebo-controlled studies showed that a prolonged stay at high altitude caused a decrease in physical performance and a deterioration of blood flow, most probably because of increased lipid peroxidation. Supplementation with vitamin E prevented these changes. More research is desirable to obtain valid data on nutritional requirements and to obtain the basis for special recommendations for nutrition at high altitude.
Simon-Schnass
I M
IM
Medical Department, Hermes Arzneimittel GmbH, Grosshesselohe, Germany.
D000531:Altitude; D005609:Free Radicals; D006801:Humans; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use
D005609:Free Radicals; D014810:Vitamin E