NASA nutrition scientists discuss how a daily B vitamin supplement might prevent vision changes in astronauts during long-duration space missions. HWHAP Episode 351.
Houston, we have a podcast.
Welcome to the official podcast of the NASA Johnson Space center, episode 351, let's be complex.
I'm Leah Cheshire, and I'm your host.
Today on this podcast, we bring in the experts, scientists, engineers, and astronauts, all to let you know what's going on in the world of human spaceflight and more.
Spaceflight associated neuro ocular syndrome, or sans, affects some astronauts who spend extended periods in microgravity, leading to issues like blurred vision and changes in visual acuity.
The common theory for what causes this is that when in space, fluid from the lower half of the body shifts to the upper half, including the head, increasing fluid pressure on the eyes.
Right now, managing Sans involves monitoring astronauts vision and exploring potential preventative measures to mitigate its effects during long duration space missions.
One of those preventative measures might be as simple as taking a b complex vitamin supplement.
Joining me to talk about Sans and the b complex study are Scott Smith, nutritionist and manager for nutritional biochemistry, and Sarah Zwart, senior scientist and deputy manager for nutritional biochemistry.
Both here at Johnson Space center, doctors Smith and Zuart are tasked with optimizing nutrition to improve astronaut health and safety on extended duration space missions.
They research effects of spaceflight on bone and muscle loss, iron metabolism, and ocular changes in astronauts, and have also contributed to research efforts to understand the role of nutrition in ground based analog studies like long duration bedrest, undersea missions, and antarctic winters.
Let's get started.
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Ten counties.
Mark.
Mission start.
Here she goes.
Houston, we have a podcast.
Well, hi, Scott and Sarah, and thank you so much for joining us.
Today on Houston, we have a podcast.