Metabolic adaptation in the crew of the Hesperides on their Antarctic journey

We studied the metabolic changes that took place in the crew of the Hesperides vessel in their 2001-2002 Antarctic journey, comparing two periods differing in diet and physical activity.

Lipid profile, vitamin and hormone levels were analyzed in 17 subjects who completed the study in its two phases. In phase I the participants spent 47 days sailing with hard work and rough seas, and the diet was rich in fat and poor in fresh foods. In this phase, glucose decreased and HDL-cholesterol, apo-AI, and TSH increased. Plasma retinol and alpha-tocopherol levels remained stable, gamma-tocopherol, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene significantly decreased, and lycopene significantly increased. Phase II lasted 49 days including a 7-day long stop in port. This meant that a more varied diet was available and fresh foods were present in the hold. There was also less extreme physical activity. The metabolic pattern changed direction, glucose rose, HDL-cholesterol and apo-AI decreased and the levels of the vitamins that dropped in phase I started to increase. Lycopene significantly decreased.

Contrary to popular beliefs about navigation at extreme latitudes, the metabolic changes described may be explained by the intense physical activity in a cold environment and a high-fat diet poor in fresh products.