The blood problem that makes it difficult for humans to go to Mars | Science

Canadian researchers claim it 50% more red blood cells are destroyed In space, this continues for the duration of the mission.

As a result, long trips to the Moon, Mars, and beyond—including space tourism flights—can be challenging.

At the same time, the findings could help hospitalized patients in intensive care units on the ground who also suffer from anemia.

Scientists have known about “space anemia” since the first missions returned to Earth – but the reasons behind the medical problem remain a mystery.

Now, a small study conducted by the University of Ottawa (Canada) with 14 astronauts who spent six months on the International Space Station brings new evidence.

Using blood and breath samples taken during the missions, the researchers were able to measure Severity of red blood cell loss. These blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lung to all parts of the body – and are therefore essential for survival.

“Our study shows that when (astronauts) reach space, red blood cells are destroyed, and this continues throughout their mission,” said Jay Trudel, lead author of the research.

As long as the astronaut is in space, due to antigravity, this loss of blood cells is not a problem. But once it comes back to Earth, it becomes so Loss of bone mass, loss of muscle strength and feeling very tired.

Three million red blood cells are destroyed every second In space, compared to 2 million on Earth. Fortunately, the body is able to compensate for this – otherwise the astronauts would still be very ill during their stay in space.

But researchers aren’t sure how long the body can withstand this constant need for “self-repair,” especially on long-duration missions.

“Longer missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as space tourism and commercial marketing, require a better understanding of space-induced anemia,” the study says, adding that monitoring people being sent into space “will be vital to human missions landing in space.” Extraterrestrial soil without medical supervision.

In addition, the study presents hypotheses about the causes: “The results of the study indicate that the destruction of red blood cells (…) is a primary effect of microgravity on spaceflight and support the hypothesis that space-related anemia is a hemolytic condition (related to the loss of blood cells). red) that must be taken into account when selecting and monitoring both astronauts and space tourists. (…) As humanity plans to travel beyond Earth, understanding the health effects of living in space is crucial to safe travel planning.”

According to the astronauts in the Canadian study, anemia persisted in space even a year after they returned to Earth — meaning they continued to lose red blood cells at a faster rate than they would otherwise.

The problem affects both men and women.

“If we can explain exactly what causes this anemia, there is potential to treat it or prevent it, for both astronauts and patients on Earth,” Trudel says.

It is believed that the anemia caused by space travel is similar to the anemia experienced by patients who have had to spend months in intensive care units, with diseases such as Covid-19.

Anemia makes it difficult for these patients to exercise and recover, and Trudel’s team will investigate the mechanism behind this in future studies.

Results published so far in Nature Medicine suggest that participants on long-duration missions or expeditions to distant planets may need to adapt their diets, including more iron and more calories, to boost energy levels.

Screening astronauts and tourists to identify potential problems exacerbated by anemia before flights may also be necessary, the researchers say.