14 DAY TRIAL // In a discovery with far-reaching implications, researchers at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) determined that increased intake of omega-3 (n−3) fatty acids may help prevent bone loss. The finding could be of tremendous use for modifying astronauts' diets, so as to prevent the loss of bone and muscle mass that is characteristic to those spending several months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In addition, experts at the American space agency add, the new data could also be used to devise new treatments for conditions such as osteoporosis, which affects elderly women very often.
“These results are very exciting, and provide initial evidence that nutrition may be a key factor in mitigating bone loss in astronauts.” explains JSC nutritionist Scott Smith. He was also one of the authors of a paper describing the findings in more details. The work was published in the May issue of the esteemed scientific Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. Smith collaborated closely with colleague Sara Zwart for the study. Both experts are based at the JSC Nutritional Biochemistry Laboratory. NASA provided the fundings for their investigations.
“In a series of cell-based studies, scientists documented that adding a specific omega-3 fatty acid to cells would inhibit the activation of factors that lead to bone breakdown. This was true in both typical cell cultures and those designed to mimic weightlessness. The inhibited factor is known as "nuclear factor kappa B" or NFκB. NFκB is involved in immune system behavior and the inflammation process. The activation of NFκB in different tissues can lead to bone and muscle loss,” representatives of the space agency write in an official press release.
The data the team used for their study were derived from four separate sources. First, the JSC crew looked at cell cultures, in order to assess the influence of omega-3 fatty acids. Next, they investigated volunteers in ground-based bed rest tests, and finally they investigated astronauts who flew on the shuttle, or who spent a long time on the ISS. Microgravity is one of the main reasons why bone loss occurs in space, as the body needs to work a lot less in order to produce the same effect. Once back on Earth, astronauts need to undergo physical therapy to recover their strength.