Tag: Microgravity effects

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, unicellular algae like spirulina and chlorella have been used by astronauts for decades due to their impressive nutritional density. These and other nutritional aids are part of a carefully managed regimen of what food supplements do space travellers use to maintain health and performance in a harsh extraterrestrial environment.

According to research from NASA, astronauts can lose bone mass at a rate of 1% per month in space, a rate comparable to people suffering from osteoporosis. This rapid degradation highlights the critical role of targeted nutrition in spaceflight, especially the need for specific vitamins to counteract the physiological stresses of the environment.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) typically need between 2,500 and 3,800 calories per day, a range that often surpasses their pre-flight needs on Earth. This increased energy requirement is a direct result of the unique physiological and environmental challenges of living and working in microgravity, which directly impacts how many calories does an astronaut need in space.

Since the 1960s, the nutritional value of space food has greatly improved from pureed meat in tubes. Astronaut food today is designed to counteract the severe physical challenges of microgravity, such as bone and muscle loss. This specialized diet is crucial for health and provides energy and specific nutrients to protect the crew.