Just like on Earth, where a reduction in calorie intake affects body weight, the same happens in space. Experts say the effect is compounded with microgravity or very little gravity.
“Microgravity can affect bone and muscle turnover. There is rapid caloric loss and protein deficiency coupled with nutritional deficiency, which can lead to a shift in fluid and electrolyte balance in prolonged stay in space,” said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative.
He added that being in space causes astronauts to burn calories quickly and lose some critical nutrients with prolonged stay. “On Earth, we don’t usually think about gravity helping our muscles and bones stay healthy, but it’s always there, gently pulling us down and giving our bodies a natural workout. Without this constant pull, the body has to work harder in space, which uses more energy and nutrients,” elaborated Dr Kovil.
Without strong gravity, Dr Kovil explained that astronauts’ bones and muscles don’t get as much exercise as they do on Earth, so they start to weaken. “To keep them strong, astronauts need to exercise a lot—around 2 to 3 hours every day,” said Dr Kovil.
Here’s what to consider (Source: Freepik)
This is why astronauts can have less protein, vitamins, and minerals in their bodies, which are crucial for staying healthy.
“Also, because of these changes, astronauts’ bodies might lose balance in important fluids and electrolytes. Hence, they need to follow a strict diet and exercise routine to stay as healthy as possible during long trips in space,” said Dr Kovil.
So, how many calories does an astronaut need?
Dr Kovil shared that astronauts need around 4,000 calories to meet their daily needs. “It’s usually double what you require on Earth,” said Dr Kovil.
Typically, a male astronaut requires around 2,700-3,700 calories daily, while female astronauts may need about 2,000-2,700 calories, said Dr Birali Swetha, chief dietician, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad. “These needs vary based on body size, mission activities, and individual metabolism, but they generally surpass Earth-based calorie requirements due to the microgravity environment, which increases energy demands on the body,” said Dr Birali.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
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