Antioxidants and Altitude
Background
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The natural balance of antoxidants and of free radicals in the body is altered by the reduction of oxygen at high altitudes. The reduced oxygen causes alteration in the amount of oxygen in the cells of some organs. Zones are created, some with too much and some with too little oxygen in the organ tissue cells. This causes "oxidative stress". It has been previously proven in very small pilot studies, without double blind, that the taking of supplemental antioxidants reduces the oxidative stress of the body. |
Purposes of Research
The purposes of the research are to:
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prove whether the maximal oxygen consumption can be improved, at altitude, with supplemental antioxidants, and |
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develop a "best practice" chemical protocol for the use of antioxidants to prevent and treat high altitude illness. |
Value to Companies and Workers
Improved worker capacity at high altitude through a reduction in oxidative stress. Reduction in high altitude illness, accidents, and injury with consequent cost savings and improved productivity. (This will be of value to both industrial settings and service industries such as contractors and tourism.)
Value to ACHS
Industry leadership in this important research and development field. Reduced illness, accidents and injury that would have been attributed to workers and visitors working at altitude. This will result in reduced healthcare, hospitalization and compensation costs.
Value to Chilean Society
World leadership in this important research and development field. Reduced illness, accidents and injury among Chileans and others living, working and visiting at the high altitudes of Chile.
Methodology
Measure the maximal oxygen consumption in 14 healthy young males at sea level and at high altitude (3,660 meters above sea level) and immediately upon return to sea level. Using the "double blind" research design, administer antioxidants to 7 and placebos to 7 of the research participants. Repeat this approach at sea level prior to ascent, at altitude and upon return from altitude. In all participants and at all levels, measure the parameters of oxidative stress (vitamin E, vitamin C, activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, lipid peroxide, and plasma total antioxidant capacity).
Analyze the resulting data with "T" tests designed for before and after intervention and with the "Anovar" repetitive test.
This research project was conducted over an 8 month period from November 1998 to June 1999.
Outcome (Already recognized as award winning research!)
The outcomes will be:
The confirmation or disproving of the antioxidant hypothesis projected for high altitudes. (HYPOTHESIS WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TAKING OF ANTIOXIDANTS REDUCES THE DETERIORATION IN MAXIMAL OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AT HIGH ALTITUDES - volunteers decreased maximal oxygen consumption by 27% when ascending to high altitude from sea level without supplemental antioxidants, after 2 months taking antioxidants maximal oxygen consumption deteriorated only by 18%, an improvement of 9%. Initially, upon returning to sea level, there was a reduction below the original sea level maximal oxygen consumption. However this was later corrected by a downward adjustment in the antioxidant dosage.)
The development of a "Best Practice" antioxidant regimen. (A BEST PRACTICE ANTIOXIDANT REGIMEN WAS DEVELOPED - 400mg vitamin E and 1,000mg vitamin C once a day was developed as the average "Best Practice" regimen.)
Funding
By ACHS (70%, mainly salaries, samples and travel), Laboratorio Chile (20%, drugs and clinical sample processing), and University of Antofagasta (10%, salaries, travel and equipment).
TOTAL COST $11.000.000.