Monitoring altitude acclimatization--a case study of an élite woman athlete.

A simple study monitoring altitude acclimatization, which is not intrusive to the athlete's training, is described. Particular attention is drawn to the change in production of lactate in response to steady state exercise, before and after altitude. The results suggest that a more thorough assessment of aerobic ability at altitude is required than that described in the British Association of Sports and Exercise Science (BASES) guidelines. It is also relevant to note that elevations in haemoglobin, promoted by altitude, can mask iron abnormalities. It is therefore recommended to assay for iron in addition to haemoglobin.