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Thyroid function changes related to use of iodinated water in the U.S. Space Program
K A McMonigal1, L E Braverman, J T Dunn
1Space and Life Sciences Directorate, NASA-Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA. kathleen.a.mcmonigal1@jsc.nasa.gov
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|November 22, 2000
Summary
Astronauts consuming iodinated water during spaceflight showed transiently increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. However, this iodine exposure did not lead to a significant long-term increase in thyroid disease among the astronaut population.
Area of Science:
- Space medicine
- Endocrinology
- Microbial disinfection
Background:
- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) utilized iodination for microbial disinfection in spacecraft water systems.
- A review was conducted on thyroid function tests of astronauts who consumed iodinated water during space missions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of iodinated water consumption on astronaut thyroid function.
- To determine if iodine exposure during spaceflight is associated with thyroid disease.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed thyroid function tests and medical records of astronauts.
- Measured serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and urinary iodine excretion before and after modifying the potable water system to reduce iodine.
Main Results:
- Mean TSH levels significantly increased in astronauts who consumed iodinated water.
- Post-modification, TSH and urinary iodine levels in Space Shuttle crewmembers showed no statistically significant change.
- No association was found between thyroid disease and flight history, iodine intake, or exposure duration.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological iodine doses consumed by astronauts may transiently decrease thyroid function, indicated by elevated TSH.
- High-dose iodine exposure during spaceflight did not result in a statistically significant increase in long-term thyroid disease.
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