Protein and Water Balances of Young Adults during Prolonged Exposure to High Altitude (4,300 Meters)

Abstract

Balance studies were conducted on three groups of young healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 24. After control studies, group 1 was taken to 4,300 m gradually, group 2 was taken to 4,300 m abruptly, and group 3 remained at sea level during the entire study. One-half of each group was physically conditioned. No significant differences were observed in nitrogen and fluid balances between a) the groups that were taken to altitude gradually or abruptly or b) between the subgroups that were physically conditioned and those who did not exercise. The exercisers and nonexercisers in each group were combined for statistical comparisons. The two factors which were prominent during the 28-day high-altitude exposure to 4,300 m by groups 1 and 2 were: a) negative nitrogen balances which may have been due to the decreased utilization of protein and the increased requirement for energy, the possible decrease in protein synthesis at altitude, or a combination of these; and b) negative fluid balances due to involuntary dehydration and other undetermined factors. The negative nitrogen balance appeared to be somewhat less in group 1, which ascended to altitude gradually, and thus suggests the beneficial effects of ascending gradually to high altitude Group 3, which remained at sea level during the entire study, was in nitrogen and fluid balance during the entire study.