Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31357: Space Gut Check: How Long-Term Space Travel Changes Astronaut Microbiomes
- Agnirva.com
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Your gut is home to trillions of microbes—bacteria, viruses, fungi—that help digest food, regulate the immune system, and even affect mood. Collectively known as the microbiome, this ecosystem plays a vital role in health. But what happens to it during long-term space missions?
This question drove the study led by Dr. Hernan Lorenzi of the J. Craig Venter Institute. Supported by NASA’s Human Research Program, this investigation followed astronauts across several ISS expeditions (35/36 through 53/54), focusing on how their microbiomes changed before, during, and after extended stays in space.
The results were groundbreaking. Researchers collected stool, saliva, and skin samples over months. These were analyzed for microbial diversity and abundance. Findings showed that the microbiome does shift in space. Some microbial populations diminished, while others grew. Surprisingly, beneficial bacteria often declined, potentially affecting digestion and immunity.
Radiation, microgravity, limited diet, and stress are all thought to influence these changes. Unlike on Earth, astronauts have fewer interactions with varied environments and other people, leading to less microbial exposure.
This research also found that some astronauts' microbiomes recovered quickly after returning to Earth, while others took longer. These differences may depend on genetics, mission length, and diet.
Understanding these shifts is critical for future missions to Mars and beyond. If microbiomes become unbalanced, astronauts could face higher risks of infection, inflammation, and chronic disease.
The study’s insights are helping shape dietary guidelines, probiotic supplements, and health monitoring systems for space travelers.
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