Tag: Altitude training

According to a 2022 study published in *Antioxidants*, high-altitude hypoxia increases the physiological requirement for iron, as the body ramps up red blood cell production. This makes adequate iron availability an essential factor for successful acclimatization, raising the question: do you need more iron at high altitude?

Research has consistently shown that prolonged exposure to high altitudes is associated with an imbalance between energy expenditure and energy intake, often resulting in weight loss. The physiological and environmental factors at play fundamentally alter your body's energy demands and consumption habits, making proper nutritional planning essential for anyone heading to elevation. This dynamic shift requires a strategic approach to fueling your body, from day hikers to multi-day mountaineers.

Endurance athletes, such as long-distance runners and cyclists, typically possess higher myoglobin concentrations in their muscle fibers compared to sedentary individuals. This critical protein, essential for intramuscular oxygen storage, significantly impacts sustained aerobic activity and overall athletic performance. Building your myoglobin stores is a proven method for improving stamina.

In comparison to untrained people, endurance athletes often have a higher total hemoglobin mass and total red blood cell volume. However, standard blood tests can sometimes show lower-than-average red blood cell concentrations, a physiological paradox known as 'pseudoanemia' or 'sports anemia'. This unique adaptation enhances the body's oxygen delivery system.

EPO, or erythropoietin, is a naturally occurring hormone primarily produced by the kidneys that plays a vital role in red blood cell production. For athletes and individuals with specific health conditions, the question of whether you can increase EPO naturally is a common one. While synthetic EPO abuse is illegal and dangerous, several natural methods exist to support your body’s own production safely.