GLOSSARY

Altitude Energy Requirement describes energy supply needed during altitude exposure and training. Appetite, workload and individual response must be considered rather than assuming a fixed universal increment.

Altitude preparation may require attention to energy supply, carbohydrate availability and iron status. Increased erythropoietic demand does not mean every athlete should take iron without assessment. Existing stores, health, dietary intake and the planned exposure matter, and excess iron can be harmful. Appetite and practical food access can complicate adequate intake. Nutrition supports the training and acclimatization plan, but no single food or supplement guarantees adaptation or removes the need for appropriate medical and performance support.

Heat, cold and altitude change the context in which athletes eat, drink and perform. Heat can increase thermal strain and modify tolerance; cold can increase heat-production costs under some conditions; altitude can affect appetite and other physiological demands. Responses depend on exposure, acclimatization and the task. A generic environmental label does not determine one universal energy or fluid prescription. Plan food access and recovery with the actual environment, clothing, workload and individual response in mind.