Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with NASA, analyzed blood samples from 52 astronauts who served on the ISS to determine the causes of frequent constipation in space. They discovered that microgravity slows the movement of food through the digestive tract, causing bacteria to ferment proteins instead of fiber.
This process leads to the production of metabolites that enter the bloodstream and can affect the body's overall state, including cognitive function and mood via the gut-brain axis. These changes are observed within just a few weeks of flight and resolve after returning to Earth.
Scientists note that these findings are significant not only for planning long-term missions to the Moon and Mars but also for medicine on Earth. Similar processes may occur in patients who are bedridden for long periods, opening up new possibilities for managing their condition through diet and prebiotics.
