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Space Nutrition Glossary

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Fluid Shift

The upward movement of fluids in the body caused by microgravity.

D-Ration Bar

High-calorie, durable chocolate bars developed for emergency use, influencing space food energy bars.

Space Ice Cream

Freeze-dried ice cream developed as a novelty space treat.

Space Food Sticks

Early energy bars designed for consumption in microgravity.

-6° Head-Down Tilt

A body position in bed-rest studies that simulates microgravity effects.

Antioxidants

Compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by radiation in space.

Appetite

The physical and psychological urge to eat, often reduced in space.

Bed-Rest Study

A ground simulation of weightlessness used to study astronaut health.

Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS)

An integrated system that recycles air, water, and waste while producing fresh food to support long-duration spaceflight.

Bone Demineralization

The loss of bone density in microgravity environments.

Bone Density

Strength and mass of bones, affected by microgravity in space.

Bone Resorption

The breakdown of bone tissue, increased in weightlessness.

Calcium

A key mineral needed for strong bones and cellular function.

Caloric Requirements

The specific energy astronauts need to maintain health in space.

Calorie Density

Calories per unit of food weight or volume, important for efficient space meals.

Cardiovascular Deconditioning

Weakening of the heart and vessels in microgravity.

Constipation

Difficulty passing stool, often affected by diet in space.

Contingency Meals

Emergency food rations aboard spacecraft.

Controlled Diet

A research tool where every aspect of food intake is regulated.

D-Ration Bar

High-calorie, durable chocolate bars developed for emergency use, influencing space food energy bars.

Dietary Fiber

Plant carbohydrates that support digestion and gut health during spaceflight.

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

A scan that measures bone and muscle health during studies.

Electrolyte Balance

Regulation of essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium.

Energy Density

The amount of energy (calories) per gram of food.

Energy Expenditure

Total calories used by astronauts for metabolism and activity in space.

Fluid Shift

The upward movement of fluids in the body caused by microgravity.

Food Acceptability

The extent to which astronauts find space food enjoyable and acceptable, affecting their appetite and morale.

Food Preservation

Techniques to keep space food safe and nutritious over long missions.

Food Rehydration

The process of adding water to dehydrated food before consumption in space.

Freeze-Drying

A food preservation process that removes moisture to prevent spoilage.

Functional Foods

Foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Gastrointenstinal Transit Time

Time taken for food to travel through the digestive tract.

Gastrointestinal Microbiome

Microorganisms in the gut that influence digestion and immune health in space.

Gut Health

Digestive system health critical for nutrient absorption in space.

Gut-Brain Axis

The link between digestive health and mood in space.

HERA (Human Exploration Research Analog)

NASA’s analog for deep space mission nutrition research.

Hydration Status

The body's fluid balance in space,

Isocaloric Diet

A diet that provides exactly enough energy for balance.

MDRS (Mars Desert Research Station)

Mars habitat analog on Earth studying crew nutrition and health.

Macronutrient Ratio

The balance of carbs, proteins, and fats tailored for astronaut health.

Macronutrients

Essential nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Magnesium

A mineral critical for muscles, nerves, and bones in space.

Mars500

Long-term Mars mission simulation research.

Menu Fatigue

A decrease in appetite caused by repetitive consumption of similar foods over time during space missions.

Metabolic Biomarkers

Biological indicators of metabolism and nutritional status.

Metabolic Rate

The speed at which the body burns energy in space.

Metabolism

The body's system for converting food into energy.

Microbiome Sampling

Collecting data on gut bacteria during space studies.

Microgravity

A near-weightless environment experienced in space that alters digestion and nutrient absorption.

Micronutrients

Essential vitamins and minerals required in small amounts for health.

Muscle Atrophy

The reduction of muscle mass due to prolonged microgravity exposure.

NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations)

Underwater habitat simulation of space mission conditions.

Nitrogen Balance

A measure of protein turnover, muscle loss, or gain.

Nutrient Absorption

How effectively astronauts absorb nutrients from space food.

Nutrient Bioavailability

How well nutrients are absorbed and utilized by the body.

Nutrient Stability

The ability of nutrients to remain effective and unchanged over time.

Nutrients

Essential components of food that support astronaut health.

Nutritional Countermeasures

Dietary strategies to prevent or reduce the negative effects of space travel.

Nutritional Monitoring

Tracking astronaut dietary intake and health markers.

Palatability

How appealing and tasty space food is to astronauts.

Postural Muscle

Muscles used for posture that weaken in microgravity.

Potassium

A key electrolyte for heart and muscle function in space.

Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria that support digestive and immune health.

Protein

A key nutrient for tissue repair and muscle maintenance.

Radiation Exposure

The absorption of harmful space radiation that can impact astronaut health.

Resistance Exercise

Strength training used to combat muscle loss in space.

Retort Packaging

Heat-sterilized food packaging for shelf-stable space meals.

Sensory Evaluation

Testing food characteristics like taste, texture, and smell for astronaut acceptability.

Shelf-Stable Foods

Foods that remain safe and edible for long periods without refrigeration.

Sodium Intake

Sodium levels must be carefully managed in space diets.

Space Food Sticks

Early energy bars designed for consumption in microgravity.

Space Food Systems

Integrated technologies and processes for storing, preparing, and delivering food in space.

Space Ice Cream

Freeze-dried ice cream developed as a novelty space treat.

Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)

Vision changes related to spaceflight fluid shifts.

Tang

Early powdered drink used by NASA astronauts for hydration and vitamin C.

Thermostabilization

A food preservation method using heat to ensure long shelf-life.

Vitamin D Supplementation

Compensating for lack of sunlight with dietary vitamin D.

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