Written by: Mantasha
Recently NASA has confirmed the extension of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore's stay at the International Space Station (ISS) until early 2025.
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Although they are trained for long-duration missions, extended time in space can lead to health issues, one of which is Space Anemia.
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Space anemia occurs when the body destroys red blood cells faster in space than on Earth—3 million per second instead of 2 million. This increased breakdown can cause symptoms such as fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance.
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Research published in the journal Nature Medicine in 2022 found that microgravity, or the near-weightless environment in space, causes this rapid destruction of red blood cells.
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The study of 14 astronauts during six-month ISS missions found that red blood cell counts drop by 10-12% within the first 10 days in space. While the body partially adapts, bringing red blood cell levels closer to normal after 10 days, the long-term effects remain significant.
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Space anemia can impair an astronaut's ability to stand up (orthostatism), exercise, and maintain overall energy levels while in space.
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Upon returning to Earth, space anemia effects can worsen, with continued high red blood cell destruction. Recovery, along with addressing bone density loss and vision issues from long-term microgravity, can take months.
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-Monitoring RBC count -Maintaining good nutrition -Exercising regularly -Adapting to microgravity.
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As space missions grow longer, tackling space anemia becomes crucial. Continued research will help support astronauts like Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, ensuring their health & safety in space and after returning to Earth.
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