1. Nutrition

2. Sara R. Zwart, Ph.D. Monica V. Trevathan
Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory
Johnson Space Center - NASA
Monica V. Trevathan
Education Specialist
Human Health and Performance
Johnson Space Center - NASA
June 23, 2005

3. Learning Objectives
Participants will expand their science content knowledge in the area of Nutrition by:
Describing the importance of proper nutrition for our bodies on Earth and for human space exploration.
Identifying human body systems that are affected by inadequate nutrition (on Earth and in space).
Explaining some challenges in nutrition and food for human exploration and long duration space flight.

4. Adaptation to Weightlessness
Muscle
Psychological/ Behavioral/ Performance
Bone
Fluid shifts, hematological
Taste & odor
Cardiovascular
Neurosensory
Gastrointestinal
Sleep & circadian rhythm
Environmental

5. What is the Function of Nutrition?
Psychosocial aspects
Meet energy/nutrient requirements
Countermeasure

9. Classroom Project Idea
Go to
My Pyramid Tracker can track food intake for 24 hours and give a report

10. Energy Intake

11. Energy Intake POLL QUESTION
In general, most astronauts eat less than their recommended intake. Does this necessarily mean they lose weight?

12. Body Weight

13. SLAMMD

14. Vitamin D

15. Vitamin D

16. Vitamin D Stimulates calcium absorption in the intestine
Deficiency can lead to:
Rickets
Osteomalacia

17. Where is vitamin D synthesized in the body?

18. POLL QUESTION
Which of the following is NOT a source of Vitamin D?

19. Nutrients Critical for Bone Health
Calcium
Vitamin D
Vitamin K
Phosphorus
Magnesium

20. Bone
Bone breakdown
Bone formation

21. Bone Loss Bone Loss Fracture Risk Stone Risk
Adapted from Heaney et al, 2000

22. Potential Countermeasures
Nutrition
Exercise
Pharmacology

23. Biochemical Markers of Bone Breakdown
N-telopeptide
Helical peptide

24. Level of dietary sodium at each stage of the study
NTX (nmol/d)
Level of dietary sodium at each stage of the study
Experiment days

25. European Mir Mission (Days)

26. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Beneficial effects on cholesterol, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular health
Inhibit muscle loss in subjects with hyper-catabolic diseases
Protective effects on bone health

27. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Clinical trial with cancer cachexia patients
(Wigmore et al. 1996)

28. Animal protein/Potassium

29. Chicken Bone in Acid
In the classroom, use the “famous” chicken bone in acid lab experiment to demonstrate acid effects on bones
See: Experiment.pdf
….plus, ideas for more on nutrition and bones!

30. Next Stop: Mars!! Nutrition is critical due to length of missions
Critical issues:
Are vitamins stable after exposure to deep-space radiation?
Are nutrients stable for long shelf life (up to 5 years)?

31. Food System Issues Nutrient content Palatability Shelf-life
Preparation
Storage
Trash

32. How will Extreme Conditions of Space Affect Food Supply?
Closed food system
Radiation
Long-term storage
Depletion of a single nutrient could be deadly after 3 years

33. For Example… Vitamin B1 (thiamine) Easily destroyed by heat and light
Deficiency
beriberi
develops within 2-3 months
neurological and cardiovascular effects

34. Another Example Vitamin C Deficiency
Scurvy
Bleeding around hair follicles, gums and underneath fingernails
Effects of radiation and long-duration storage are unknown for space flight

35. Nutrition Research On Earth and in space:
Nutrition is more than just eating food
Food choices are important
Nutrition affects all body systems
Countermeasures for conditions such as osteoporosis

36. Related NASA Education Material
National Space and Biomedical Research Institute
Activities Guides for Teachers
5-8 grade

37. Related NASA Education Material
NASA CONNECT™
Math & Science integration
“Better Health from Space to Earth”
Grades 5-8

38. Sara R. Zwart, Ph.D. Monica V. Trevathan
Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory
Johnson Space Center - NASA
Monica V. Trevathan
Education Specialist
Human Health and Performance
Johnson Space Center - NASA