Astronauts' Blood Hints At Why Spaceflight Causes Constipation
Researchers tracked 52 astronauts and found gut microbes shifted to protein fermentation in flight, a change that may help explain constipation in orbit.
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7 Articles
Why constipation is common in astronauts
A new study provides an idea of why constipation is a well-known problem for astronauts in space. The researchers have examined blood samples from 52 astronauts who have participated in months long missions to the International Space Station. The study results identified gastrointestinal changes that occur shortly after the astronauts leave Earth and gravity behind. “We see changes in astronauts’ blood samples that indicate that the gut bacteria…
It's harder to poop in space. Scientists may finally know why
Astronauts have long struggled with constipation in space. Now, scientists may finally understand why.A new study of 52 astronauts who lived aboard the International Space Station (ISS) suggests that microgravity may slow the movement of food through the intestines, changing how gut bacteria break down nutrients. The findings could ultimately help researchers develop dietary strategies to keep astronauts' digestive systems running smoothly durin…
The hope is that the new knowledge can also be used here on Earth.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with NASA, have examined blood from 52 astronauts. They found that intestinal bacteria break down more protein when gravity disappears, which may explain the well-known constipation in space.
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