Functional Food as a Nutritional Countermeasure to Health Risks from Microgravity and Space Radiation in Long-Term Spaceflights: A Review

• Published in: Applied Sciences
• Main Authors: Jesús Clemente-Villalba, Débora Cerdá-Bernad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2025-08-01
• Subjects: prebiotic; probiotic; vitamins; astronauts; long-term space travel; nutrition
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/16/9220

(1) Background: Over the years, technology and space missions have advanced, although the development of potential functional food and food supplements must be improved for maintaining astronauts’ health and helping them overcome space-specific challenges during long missions. (2) Scope and approach: Using a review approach, this study aimed to investigate the potential of functional food to counteract radiation and microgravity spaceflight-related health problems. (3) Results: Microgravity and space radiation affect the body’s biochemical processes and increase levels of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to health problems, including musculoskeletal deconditioning, cardiovascular degeneration, disruptions in gastrointestinal health, ocular problems, alterations to the immune system, and hormonal imbalances, among others. In addition to medical care, functional food plays a key role as a countermeasure against space-induced physiological issues. Previous research showed that functional food rich in flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidant compounds, proteins, probiotics, or prebiotics strengthens the immune system and reduces risks associated with long spaceflights, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, oxidative stress, and other health alterations. (4) Conclusions: Despite the fundamental role of functional food in spaceflights, the main challenges remain in preserving and packaging these foods to ensure their safety on long space missions. Future innovations include 3D food printing, space algae cultivation, and novel preservation technologies.