Travel in Space Impacts Human Health As It Can Destroy Red Blood Cells Quicker Than on Earth

A Canadian study recently showed that 50 percent more blood cells are destroyed when traveling in space, and this continues for however long the mission takes.

In this particular study, BBC News reported, scientists have discovered more about why space travel leads to becoming anemic among astronauts when they go back to Earth.

Describing their finding, the researchers said as a result, "long journeys to the Moon, Mars, and beyond" may be quite a challenge."

However, their understandings could benefit bedridden patients on this planet who are suffering from the same condition.

'Space Anemia'

"Space anemia" is something researchers have known about since the first-ever missions returned to Earth, although what precisely happens has remained a mystery.

A small study from the University of Ottawa involving 14 astronauts, including Time Peake of Britain, on six-month stays on the International Space Mission has discovered and shown more.

With the use of blood and earth samples taken during the astronauts' missions, the scientists could measure the loss of red blood cells. Such cells take oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, not to mention, considered "the key to life."

According to hospital-physician Dr. Guy Trudel, the lead researcher of the study, published in Nature Medicine, their research shows that "more blood cells are destroyed upon arrival in space," and this continues for the whole duration of the mission of the astronaut.

Due to weightlessness while in space, the said adverse effect on health is not an issue. However, back on Earth, it means astronauts are found to have reduced muscle strength and bone mass, and they feel extremely tired.

A Space Illness Similar Intensive Care Caused by COVID-19

Even when the astronauts involved in the research went back to living with gravity, there was no rapid fix, and a year later, they were still losing red blood cells at such a higher rate. The said study showed that both male and female astronauts were equally impacted.

Despite this, explained Dr. Trude, "they were able to function normally." The lead researcher added that if they can find exactly what's causing the "space anemia," there is a possibility of treating or preventing it both for astronauts and patients on this planet.

The health expert sees anemia resulting from space travel as similar to those patients who have spent months inactive in intensive care with conditions like COVID-19 have experienced.

Anemia has prevented these astronauts from exercising and recovering, and Trude's team will investigate how such mechanism works in future research, a related Mail Online report said.

Essentially, research findings may mean, people participating in space missions to far-off planets should have to become accustomed to their diets to produce more iron and eat more calorie-rich foods for energy.

Screening both space tourists and astronauts for blood or health conditions impacted by anemia prior to a spaceflight might be a requirement, as well, according to the researchers.

Related report about 'Space Anemia' is shown on 24 Update's YouTube video below:

Check out more news and information on Space and Medicine & Health in Science Times.