Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will extend their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) until early 2025. While this extended duration will provide valuable information, it also poses health risks, including a condition known as space anemia.
What is space anemia?
Recent research has shed light on the effects of microgravity on the human body. A study titled ‘Hemolysis contributes to anemia during long-duration spaceflight’ published in Natural medicine Astronauts have been found to suffer from a decrease in red blood cell mass during prolonged space missions. This reduction may have long-term consequences for their health.
The study, conducted by Trudel and his colleagues, followed 14 astronauts on six-month missions to the International Space Station and revealed increased levels of red blood cell destruction, known as hemolysis. This phenomenon persisted even a year after returning to Earth.
Causes of spatial anemia:
– Microgravity: In space, the body does not need to work as hard to maintain blood flow, which leads to a decrease in red blood cell production.
– Hemolysis: The destruction of red blood cells increases in space, leading to a reduction in the overall red blood cell count.
– Fluid shifts: Upon reaching space, fluids shift to the upper part of the body, causing a temporary increase in blood volume, but this effect disappears and the body adapts by reducing the production of red blood cells.
Effects of spatial anemia:
– Fatigue and weakness: The body destroys red blood cells faster than it can produce them in space, resulting in fatigue and weakness.
– Reduced mental performance: Space anemia can cause reduced mental performance and cognitive impairment.
– Bone loss: Prolonged exposure to microgravity can cause bone loss and osteoporosis.
– Muscle atrophy: Spatial anemia can cause muscle atrophy and reduction in muscle mass.
– Cardiovascular and visual changes: Prolonged exposure to microgravity can cause cardiovascular and visual changes.
Prevention of spatial anemia:
– Regular blood tests: Regular blood tests to monitor red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.
– Adequate nutrition: Ensure adequate nutrition to support red blood cell production.
– Regular Exercise: Regular exercise to maintain muscle mass and cardiovascular health.
– Mitigating the effects of microgravity: developing strategies to mitigate the effects of microgravity on red blood cell production.
– Monitoring and Adaptation: Closely monitor astronauts’ health and adapt to any changes to prevent space anemia.
To mitigate these effects, NASA will closely monitor astronauts’ health, conducting regular blood tests and ensuring proper nutrition and exercise. Researchers are also exploring strategies to counteract the impact of microgravity on red blood cell production.
Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth via SpaceX Dragon, and their extended stay will provide valuable insight into the effects of microgravity on the human body.
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