Research Summary

Inadequate nutrition and fitness impact all aspects of long-duration spaceflight, from accelerating bone loss and reducing muscle function to diminished cognitive ability.  Areas under investigation by the Nutrition, Physical Fitness and Rehabilitation Team are the quality and quantity of dietary intake and the type and quantity of exercise needed to reduce or eliminate muscle atrophy and bone loss.  The Team also is addressing whether certain diets will help protect astronauts from cancer due to radiation exposure.  On Earth, studies could lead to diets that benefit the prevention of certain cancers.

Team Leader:
Joanne R. Lupton, Ph.D.
Texas A&M University

Earth Benefit: Nutritional Needs