Bridging Space and Military Nutrition: Energy Balance Challenges and Countermeasures in Extreme Environments

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Environmental Medicine
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• High-consequence occupations in extreme environments, including spaceflight and military operations, present unique physiological and psychological challenges.
• Maintaining energy balance is critical for mission success and long-term health in these demanding settings.
• Existing research often focuses on isolated environments, necessitating a comparative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the challenges of energy balance in extreme environments.
• To identify common and distinct physiological and psychological stressors between spaceflight and terrestrial military operations.
• To explore translational opportunities for optimizing nutrition and health countermeasures.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of evidence from short and long-duration space missions.
• Analysis of military training and operational contexts.
• Comparative review of physiological mechanisms affecting energy balance.

Main Results:

• Significant overlaps exist in appetite suppression, gastrointestinal issues, sleep deficits, and psychological strain.
• Both spaceflight and terrestrial extremes can lead to negative energy balance with comparable health consequences.
• Differences in stressors like microgravity and radiation require tailored approaches.

Conclusions:

• Understanding shared and distinct challenges in energy balance is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.
• Optimizing dietary intake, food palatability, and micronutrient status are key areas for intervention.
• Novel strategies are needed to mitigate musculoskeletal degradation and maintain functional capacity in extreme environments.