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Nutrition, endocrinology, and body composition during space flight
H W Lane1, R J Gretebeck, S M Smith
1Space and Life Sciences Directorate, Johnson Space Center, NASA, Houston, TX 77058, USA.
Nutrition Research (New York, N.Y.)
|September 7, 2001
Summary
Space flight alters astronauts' metabolism and body composition due to endocrine changes. Maintaining muscle health for long missions requires exercise, diet, and potentially medication.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Human Physiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Space flight triggers significant endocrine alterations, impacting astronaut metabolism.
- These metabolic shifts affect body composition and nutritional needs during space missions.
- Previous research on Skylab, U.S. Shuttle, and Soviet/Russian flights provides extensive data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review endocrine data from space missions.
- To correlate endocrine changes with alterations in astronaut body composition.
- To determine energy and protein requirements for astronauts.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of endocrine data from past spaceflights.
- Review of studies on Skylab, U.S. Shuttle, and Soviet/Russian missions.
- Correlation of endocrine changes with body composition data.
Main Results:
- Astronauts' protein and energy intake appears similar to terrestrial levels.
- Endocrine changes during space flight significantly affect metabolism.
- Body composition changes are observed in astronauts.
Conclusions:
- Astronaut nutritional requirements are comparable to Earth-based standards.
- Maintaining muscle health is critical for long-duration space flight.
- A combination of exercise, diet, and potential pharmacological interventions is necessary for astronaut muscle health.
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