Nutrient requirements at high altitude

Travel to terrestrial altitudes greater than 2500 m, for more than 2 to 3 d ays, results in acute and long-term physiologic adaptations with the potent ial to profoundly affect the requirements for some nutrients. This article discusses the evidence for these increased requirements and makes recommend ations regarding appropriate intakes at high altitude. Discussion of nutrie nts includes energy and the food components that supply it (i.e., protein, carbohydrate, and fat), water, vitamins, and minerals. Because the anorexia associated with high altitude exposure may limit the intake of adequate nu trients, a food and water regimen, or "doctrine," is proposed and described .