[Nutrition in high-altitude ascents]

This paper discusses the experience accumulated in the Soviet Union and other countries concerning the arrangement of meals for mountaineers ascending the highest summits of the world. The discussion is made with reference to the reported data on human physiology at high altitudes. Physiological and biochemical investigations carried out at high altitudes and during experimental oxygen insufficiency indicate changes in the nutritional status and function of digestive organs under these conditions. The paper describes approaches to the optimization of nutrition of mountaineers at high altitudes.