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Protein absorption and energy digestibility at high altitude
B Kayser1, K Acheson, J Decombaz
1Département de Physiologie, Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Altitude exposure up to 5,000 meters did not impair protein absorption in healthy males. This study concludes that malabsorption is not a cause of weight loss at high altitudes.
Area of Science:
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Science
- Altitude Medicine
Background:
- Prolonged exposure to high altitudes often leads to significant weight loss in individuals.
- A potential contributing factor to this weight loss is the malabsorption of dietary protein.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether malabsorption of dietary protein contributes to weight loss experienced during prolonged exposure to high altitudes.
- To quantify protein absorption and digestible energy at sea level and high altitude.
Main Methods:
- Six healthy males were administered 15N-labeled soya protein orally and 15N-glycine intravenously at sea level (122 m) and high altitude (5,000 m).
- Urine and fecal samples were collected over 4 days to determine 15N excretion via mass spectrometry.
- Body weight, skinfold thickness, and dietary digestible energy were assessed to evaluate physiological changes and nutritional status.
Main Results:
- Protein absorption remained high and was not significantly different at high altitude (96%) compared to sea level (97%).
- Overall digestible energy at high altitude was also substantial, measured at 96%.
- Subjects experienced an average weight decrease of 3% and a 9% loss in fat mass at altitude.
Conclusions:
- Malabsorption of dietary protein does not play a significant role in the weight loss observed in healthy individuals exposed to altitudes up to 5,000 meters.
- The observed weight and fat mass loss at high altitude are likely due to other physiological factors beyond impaired protein digestion and absorption.