Diet Induced Variations in Tolerance to Altitude Hypoxia in the Mouse. ∗

Abstract

Summary

Mice fed large amounts of carbohydrate prior to exposure to altitude hypoxia survive at least 5 times longer than fasting animals and significantly longer than animals fed their normal diet. When fed lipids of varying saturations while fasting, their tolerance is the same as that in the fasting state alone. Large amounts of fat added to the regular diet failed to decrease survival. These results demonstrate a salutary effect of carbohydrates on tolerance to hypoxia. They show as well the inability of lipids to alone promote survival. Possible mechanisms for the protection provided by carbohydrate are discussed.