NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams, currently on board the International Space Station (ISS), may be at risk of a serious health condition known as space anemia. This condition causes red blood cells to be destroyed at an alarming rate, leading to severe fatigue, mental health changes, reduced heart function, bone loss, and overall bodily imbalance. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are set to extend their stay at the International Space Station (ISS) until early 2025.
While this prolonged duration will provide valuable insights, it also poses health risks, including a condition known as space anemia. What is Space Anaemia? Recent research has shed light on the effects of microgravity on the human body. A study titled, 'Hemolysis contributes to anemia during long-duration space flight,' published in Nature Medicine found that astronauts experience a decline in red blood cell mass during extended space missions.
This reduction can have long-term implications for their health. The study, conducted by Trudel and colleagues, monitored 14 astronauts on 6-month ISS missions, and revealed increased levels of red blood cell destruction, known as hemolysis. This phenomenon persisted even a year after returning to Earth.
Causes of Space Anemia: - Microgravity: In space, the body doesn't need to work as hard to maintain blood flow, leading to a decrease in red blood cell production. - Hemolysis: The destruction of red blood cells increases in space, leading to a reduction in over.