Space Flight Diet-Induced Deficiency and Response to Gravity-Free Resistive Exercise

Abstract

Immune system dysregulation is among the many adverse effects incurred by astronauts during space flights. Omega-3 fatty acids, β-alanine, and carnosine are among the many nutrients that contribute to immune system health. For space flight, crewmembers are prescribed a diet with a macronutrient composition of 55% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 15% protein. To quantify omega-3 fatty acid, β-alanine and carnosine intakes from such a diet, and to examine each nutrient’s impact on exercise performance, 21 participants adhered to the aforementioned macronutrient ratio for 14 days which was immediately followed by a workout performed on gravity-independent resistive exercise hardware. Results included daily omega-3 fatty acid intakes below the suggested dietary intake. Daily omega-3 fatty acid, β-alanine and carnosine intakes each correlated with non-significant amounts of variance from the workout’s volume of work. Given the nutritional requirements to maintain immune system function and the demands of in-flight exercise countermeasures for missions of increasingly longer durations current results, in combination with previously published works, imply in-flight supplementation may be a prudent approach to help address the physiological and mental challenges incurred by astronauts on future space flights.

Effects of Low Dose Space Radiation Exposures on the Splenic Metabolome

“…Metabolomics, for example, as highlighted in this study, identified novel responses in the spleen in purine dysregulation, energy and fatty acid metabolism, which could potentially serve as substrates for countermeasure development. As common themes in responses emerge, such as in mitochondria dysfunction from animals to humans [ 56 ], it may be possible to monitor the health status of astronauts and provide corrective interventions [ 62 ].…”

Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition as Two Sides of the Same Coin: A Scoping Review

“…Therefore, regardless of the length of the expedition, space travelers should be subjected to nutritional optimization before departure. The goal is to achieve good body reservoirs, to avoid deficiencies of vitamins or minerals, and to obtain nutrition-derived immunocompetence from tailored supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids [ 40 ]. Tailored dietary prescriptions and intake monitoring start months before launch, with astronauts being able to select their own space menu [ 19 ].…”

“…Summary I. A total of 13 references ([ 8 , 10 , 19 , 20 , 25 , 27 , 29 , 33 , 34 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 42 ]) were used to scope the following nutritional commonalities between pre-operative (home-based) vs. pre-launch (Earth-based) issues. The relevance of having good nutritional status; the importance to acquire nutrition-derived immunocompetence; the significance of food abstention before stressful situations; the goal of giving up/reducing bad habits; the need to opt for tailored nutrition and advanced dietary preparations.…”

“… Osteosarcopenia Risk of falls/fracture Space Nutrition Nutritional conditioning prior to launch [ 39 ] Food to sustain life during early ventures in space. Nutritional status [ 40 ] Immunocompetence, in-flight supplementation, and workout. Nutrition-derived immunocompetence [ 19 ] Food, beverage, and menus in space.…”

“…Nutritional status [40] Immunocompetence, in-flight supplementation, and workout. Nutrition-derived immunocompetence [19] Food, beverage, and menus in space.…”