Constipation is common in astronauts—blood tests provide new answers

A new study from the University of Copenhagen in collaboration with NASA reveals that astronauts experience constipation, and blood tests provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms. The study analyzed blood samples from 52 astronauts who had participated in months-long missions to the International Space Station. The findings indicate that in space, the gut bacteria begin to ferment protein more extensively than usual, which may contribute to constipation. This change persists until the astronauts return to Earth. The study's authors suggest that the lack of gravity in space causes food to move more slowly through the intestine, leading to increased protein fermentation.

• "The study found that astronauts' blood samples showed changes in gut bacteria that ferment protein more than usual."
• "Proteolytic metabolites were affected in the astronauts' blood."
• "The findings are published in the journal Nature Communications."

The research highlights that the gut microbiome plays a key role in the digestive process, and the changes observed in space may have broader implications for health on Earth. The study's authors suggest that interventions such as increasing dietary fiber or using prebiotics could help mitigate the effects of space travel on the gut. The findings are also relevant for bedridden patients on Earth, who may experience similar issues.

The study was conducted by Giorgia La Barbera and Henrik Roager, and the senior author is Lars Ove Dragsted. The research is part of an experiment to analyze astronauts' blood metabolites, which can provide insights into human health. The findings may help develop strategies to address constipation in astronauts and improve gut health in people on Earth.

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