A successful mission begins with nutrition

Centuries ago, large wooden ships explored the seven seas. But often, a ship that began its journey with hundreds of crews could come back with dozens. The silent killer? Scurvy, a condition that occurs when there is a lack of vitamin C in the diet. In contrast, explorers from the North and South Poles could become ill by eating the liver of polar bears and seals, exposing them to toxic levels of vitamin A.

Centuries of exploration have taught us that there is a vital connection between a successful mission of exploration and a balanced diet. And nowhere is this lesson more vital than in the extreme expanse of space.

NASA Nutritionist and Nutrition Biochemist Scott M. Smith, Ph.D. "We are studying nutrition on the International Space Station (ISS) by monitoring what astronauts eat and how much they eat. and their health evolves over time in microgravity. insufficient intake leads to weight loss (mbad), bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular effects, etc. The foods contained in the ISS are all "stable in store". There is no refrigerator or freezer for food. At the moment, we are lucky because we are able to deliver fresh fruits and vegetables to the station. But think of the first human journey on Mars, which will last at least 30 months. How to maintain optimal nutrition for our astronauts during all this time? "

The challenge is clear: in the environment, the astronauts' environment influences their nutritional needs. Astronauts are more exposed to radiation, higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, low humidity, and microgravity, all of which can affect their health. Having a balanced and nutritious diet is important to help counteract the effects of spaceflight on the body. These can have short-term consequences, such as on mood and performance, and the risk of kidney stones; and raises long-term concerns, such as bone and muscle loss, cardiovascular degradation, impaired immune function, and changes in vision.

Smith says, "The food we give them will be of utmost importance to counteract these effects, which is why we need to find ways to make food enjoyable, nutritious and safe even after months of storage, even years ". Keeping an eye on consumption will also be important. Currently on the ISS, astronauts use an iPad app to track their consumption, which provides them with real-time information about their diet. The nutrition team and flight surgeons are also looking at this information to help provide information to astronauts.

This attention to astronaut nutrition is also paying off for those living on Earth. Smith notes that astronauts aboard the space station have already provided a wealth of nutritional data that can be applied to everyone. "We have gained new insights into how nutrition can affect all human systems, including dietary effects on bone loss, which affects older people in particular, and how to better treat this. sickness and others. "

"Of course," says Smith, "a simple beginning for the people of the Earth to maintain optimal health is the same as it has been for centuries: continue to eat fruits and vegetables."

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