Effect of Repeated Exposure of Human Subjects to Hypoxia on Glucose Tolerance, Excretion of Ascorbic Acid, and Phenylalanine Tolerance

Abstract

Glucose tolerance was not decidedly changed in 6 subjects when exposed to a simulated altitude of 18,000 ft. without supplemental oxygen for 1.5 hrs. The excretion of ascorbic acid was markedly decreased by repeatedly exposing the subjects to 18,000 ft. without benefit of supplemental oxygen when the daily intake of the vitamin was 91 mg. Phenylalanine tolerance was not affected by exposure to 18,000 ft. without the benefit of supplemental oxygen.