Long-Term Space Nutrition: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to identify current evidence and gaps in the field of long-term space nutrition. Specifically, the review targeted critical nutritional needs during long-term manned missions in outer space in addition to the essential components of a sustainable space nutrition system for meeting these needs. The search phrase “space food and the survival of astronauts in long-term missions” was used to collect the initial 5432 articles from seven Chinese and seven English databases. From these articles, two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts to identify 218 articles for full-text reviews based on three themes and 18 keyword combinations as eligibility criteria. The results suggest that it is possible to address short-term adverse environmental factors and nutritional deficiencies by adopting effective dietary measures, selecting the right types of foods and supplements, and engaging in specific sustainable food production and eating practices. However, to support self-sufficiency during long-term space exploration, the most optimal and sustainable space nutrition systems are likely to be supported primarily by fresh food production, natural unprocessed foods as diets, nutrient recycling of food scraps and cultivation systems, and the establishment of closed-loop biospheres or landscape-based space habitats as long-term life support systems.

Skin microbiome considerations for long haul space flights

“…Recent enclosed analog research has been focussed on the biological translocation of bacteria within closed environments/habitats, potential bacterial-derived toxicity, as well as exploration of tissue-derived toxins (involving the lymph system). However the contributing impact of microgravity on the lymphatic system has not been extensively explored ( Zwart et al, 2011 ; SanMiguel and Grice, 2015 ; Cabalín et al, 2021 ; Tang et al, 2021 ). Solari et.al.…”

“…A secondary effect may be the improved immunosurveillance and delivery of immune cells. ( Smith et al, 2005 ; Scott et al, 2021 ; Smith et al, 2021 ; Solari et al, 2021 ; Tang et al, 2021 ).…”

“…It is appreciated that there are widespread associations: reduced lipid transport into the blood impacts immunosurveillance and increases risk tissue oedema (an independent risk factor for infection); and reduced dietary lipid transport affects uptake of vital nutrients and mineral co-enzymes ultimately affecting the gastrointestinal-skin axis. ( Sonnenfield and Shearer, 2002 ; Smith et al, 2005 ; Zwart et al, 2011 ; Zwart et al, 2013 ; Carlson, 2014 ; Shen et al, 2014 ; SanMiguel and Grice, 2015 ; Anna et al, 2016 ; Scott et al, 2021 ; Smith et al, 2021 ; Solari et al, 2021 ; Tang et al, 2021 ).…”

Long-Duration Space Travel Support Must Consider Wider Influences to Conserve Microbiota Composition and Function

“…Freeze-dried and other preserved foods may suffice nutritionally during shorter spaceflight, but over longer periods, nutritional deficits often develop [ 91 ]. Spaceships instead may need to become living vehicles or “earthships” to recycle carbon and nitrogen within the system by farming to sustain human health indefinitely.…”

“…To further attend to the health of the astronaut microbiome, additional nutritional and immunological benefit may be obtained by the fermentation of these freshly grown products [ 99 ]. Fermentation of food en route would provide a degree of preservation while also improving palatability and dietary variation, a valuable contribution as menu fatigue leads to decreased food consumption and the development of caloric and micronutrient deficiencies [ 91 ]. This process can also remove potent antinutrients including phytates and oxalates, which can further deplete an astronaut’s micronutrient levels and pose health risks [ 100 , 101 ].…”