Utilization of different quantities of fat at high altitude.

Investigations on utilization of fats have been carried out at altitudes of 3,500, 3,800, and 4,700 m, respectively, on 27, 7, and 12 soldiers staying at these altitudes for over 4 months in tentage accommodation. At 3,500 m the fat utilization was 95.9, 96.2, and 96.6% on intakes of 128, 168, and 198 g fat/day. At 3,800 m on maximum fat intake of 364 g/day, the fecal fat content was 11.48 g and percentage digestibility 96.9. At 4,700 m the digestibility was 97.5% on a fat intake of 232 g/day. Urine examination did not reveal ketone bodies on any of these fat intakes. Neither was there any incidence of constipation nor diarrhea. While 364 g of fat/day could not be fully consumed, digestibilty was not affected up to an intake of 324 g/day though, at this intake there was feeling of thirst at night. Thus, digestibility and utilization of dietary fats up to 324 g at 3,800 m and 232 g at 4,700 m are not distrubed.