Nutritional physiology and body composition changes during a rapid ascent to high altitude

• Published in: Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism nutrition, and metabolism, 2024-02, Vol.49 (6), p.723-737
• Main Authors: Santangelo, Carmen, Verratti, Vittore, Mrakic-Sposta, Simona, Ciampini, Federica, Bonan, Sofia, Pignatelli, Pamela, Pietrangelo, Tiziana, Pilato, Serena, Moffa, Samanta, Fontana, Antonella, Piccinelli, Raffaela, Le Donne, Cinzia, Lobefalo, Lucio, Beccatelli, Matteo, Lodi Rizzini, Pierluigi, Seletti, Davide, Mecca, Rocco, Beccatelli, Tommaso, Bondi, Danilo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Altitude; Body composition; Exercise physiology; Nutrition
• ISSN: 1715-5312; 1715-5320
• DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0338

Exposure to high altitude might cause the body to adapt with negative energy and fluid balance that compromise body composition and physical performance. In this field study involving 12 healthy adults, sex-balanced, aged 29±4 years with a body mass index 21.6±1.8 kg/m2, we investigated the effects fo a 4-day trekking up to 4556 m a.s.l. on Monte Rosa (Alps, Italy). The food intake was recorded using food diaries and nutrients averages were calculated. The bio-impedance analysis was performed at low and high altitude, and a wearable biosensor (Swemax) was used to track hydro-saline losses in 2 participants. Daily total energy intake was 3348±386 kcal for males and 2804±415 kcal for females (13-14% protein, 35% fat, 44-46% carbohydrates). Although there was a significant body weight loss (65.0±9.3 vs 64.2±9.10 kg, p