Vacations to high-altitude destinations may be spoiled by altitude sickness, a combination of symptoms caused by the lower pressure and decreased oxygen at high altitudes. There is no guaranteed cure for altitude sickness, but some measures can be taken to help prevent it or mitigate its effects. Gradual acclimation and drinking plenty of water are important steps to take. Some studies have indicated increased vitamin E consumption may help reduce the effects of altitude sickness.
Altitude or Mountain Sickness
When the human body is exposed to significantly higher altitudes than those to which it is accustomed, altitude sickness may result. Symptoms of this condition include headaches, dizziness, fatigue and difficulty breathing; nausea also may be present. The effects usually get more severe the more rapidly the exposure occurs, since the body typically is unable to acclimate quickly to the reduced oxygen levels. Vacationers at ski resorts or mountain climbers may suffer from the effects of altitude sickness.
Remedies for Altitude Sickness
There is no single medicine or alternative cure-all for altitude sickness. Prevention is the best approach, including gradual acclimation to the higher altitudes, but this is not always an option for vacationers with limited time. Hydration is important both before and during high altitude exposure. The Tufts Medical Center recommends consuming large quantities of water before traveling to a high altitude location and while there. Tufts also recommends avoiding caffeine, alcohol and salty foods. Over-the-counter remedies may help reduce headache pain and mild edema. Vitamin and mineral supplements, including vitamin E, may have some beneficial effects on altitude sickness.
Vitamin E Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin E is a known antioxidant, fighting the harmful free radicals that result from oxidation in the body. Small studies conducted in 2001 at the University of Glamorgan and in 2005 at the University of California at Davis indicate that a vitamin E supplement, taken in combination with several other antioxidant supplements, did produce improvement in altitude sickness symptoms. The supplements must be taken for several weeks in advance, as well as during the exposure to higher altitudes. The effect appeared to diminish during longer periods of exposure.
Vitamin E Benefits at High Altitude
The studies tested a mix of vitamins C and E and lipoic acid. A similar Mayo Clinic study incorporated vitamins E and C, zinc and selenium. While no study conclusively shows vitamin E alone combats the effects of altitude sickness, the small studies performed to date suggest that a combination of antioxidant supplements may mitigate the effects of the illness. These studies also indicated the vitamin E supplementation does not significantly improve exercise performance at high altitude, nor does it reduce inflammation from high altitude exercise.
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