Effect of phosphate supplementation on oxygen delivery at high altitude

Effects of Short-Term Phosphate Loading on Aerobic Capacity under Acute Hypoxia in Cyclists: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

“…The increase of 2,3-DPG levels is one of the first responses to hypoxic exposure [32][33][34] and is a consequence of an increase in blood pH and stimulation of RBC glycolysis [54]. Jain et al [36] observed that during stays at an altitude of 3500 m, short-term (4 days) supplementation with sodium phosphate led to a greater increase in the level of 2,3-DPG in the blood (by 18%) than exposure to hypoxia itself. Furthermore, the phosphate loading supported an elevation of 2,3-DPG levels before ascent to altitude and maintenance of high 2,3-DPG levels during the early period of altitude adaptation [35,37].…”

“…In our study, we analyzed the effect of SP supplementation on aerobic capacity in athletes during a single exercise bout in acute hypoxia. It would also be interesting from the point of view of sports practice to investigate whether SP supplementation can be helpful during the first days of staying at altitude, in order to improve hypoxic adaptation, as suggested in early research on phosphate loading [35][36][37], and to achieve a faster retrieval of aerobic exercise capacity at altitude. It is also worth analyzing whether SP may be beneficial in the prevention/attenuation of altitude-related diseases due to the mechanism associated with the alteration of the HIF-1α response to hypoxia.…”

“…Moore and Brewer [35] found that after 24 h at an altitude of 4300 m, the level of 2,3-DPG was higher in the phosphate-supplemented group than in the placebo group. Jain et al [36] reported that during a stay at an altitude of 3500 m, short-term (4 days) supplementation with sodium phosphate led to an 18% increase in blood levels of 2,3-DPG in male sea-level residents, which was beneficial for short-term high altitude adaptation. Furthermore, Moore et al [37] noted that phosphate loading led to an increase in 2,3-DPG levels by 15% before ascent to altitude (3500 m) and maintenance of high 2,3-DPG levels during the initial period of altitude exposure.…”

“…Furthermore, Moore et al [37] noted that phosphate loading led to an increase in 2,3-DPG levels by 15% before ascent to altitude (3500 m) and maintenance of high 2,3-DPG levels during the initial period of altitude exposure. The observed changes were accompanied by an improvement in central nervous system function [35][36][37]. However, the studies failed to analyze the effect of phosphate salts ingestion on the exercise performance of the participants.…”