Acute altitude exposure impairs exercise tolerance and performance, decreases the rate of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), cognitive function and sleep quality, and often also induces symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Previous studies have clearly indicated that ketone bodies exert a neuroprotective effect under hypoxic-ischemic conditions as well as improve hypoxic tolerance in rodents. In support of these earlier observations, recent pilot experiments in young volunteers in our laboratory provide proof of concept that IEK can attenuate oxygen desaturation during exercise in hypoxia. Therefore, given that impaired exercise tolerance in hypoxia is primarily due to impaired oxidative energy production in active tissues (brain and muscle), we hypothesize that IEK can increase blood and tissue (muscle and brain) oxygenation status in hypoxia and thereby enhance global hypoxic tolerance, improve sleep quality, as well as improve exercise tolerance and endurance exercise performance.
This WP specifically aims to elucidate the effects of IEK on hypoxic tolerance and the development and severity of AMS symptoms, blood and tissue oxygenation status, as well as sleep quality during an episode of acute exposure to severe hypoxia.