A new analysis has found that space travel reduces the number of red blood cells, leading to a disease known as "space anemia." The University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Ottawa Hospital, examined the number of red blood cells of 14 astronauts and found that their bodies destroyed 54 percent or more of their red blood cells in space than on Earth, which also provided answers to long-standing problems.
"Since astronauts returned to Earth from their first space mission, anemia in space has been reported, but we don't know why?" Drudell, a professor at the University of Ottawa at the University of Ottawa Medical School, said in a press release.
Prior to this study, space anemia had been thought to be caused by the sudden entry of fluid into the upper body when astronauts first entered space, and about 10% of the fluid in the blood vessels was lost. Their bodies reportedly destroy 10 percent of their red blood cells quickly to balance out the change, so it takes 10 days in space for red blood cell numbers to return to normal.
But by measuring the red blood cell counts of 14 astronauts in space for 6 months, the team found that it was because they were in space that the red blood cells in the astronauts' blood were destroyed. Instead of measuring the number of red blood cells directly, the researchers used a method of measuring carbon monoxide as an alternative — carbon monoxide is released when a part of the red blood cells is destroyed.
On Earth, the researchers say, the human body makes and kills 2 million red blood cells per second, but in space, they destroy 3 million red blood cells per second.
"Our study shows that after reaching the space environment, more red blood cells are destroyed, and this situation lasts for astronauts throughout the mission," Trudel said.
The researchers said in a press release that both male and female astronauts experienced the same destruction of red blood cells, with 5 of the 13 astronauts examined developing clinical anemia upon landing. Another of the 14 astronauts surveyed did not draw blood when he landed.
Astronaut Tim. Pique completed his first blood draw in space. This sample is taken as part of a bone marrow experiment. —Nasa
Trudel said: "Thankfully, when your body is in a state of weightlessness, the red blood cell reduction in space is not a problem. However, when landing on Earth or possibly on other planets or moons, anemia can affect your energy, endurance, and strength, and can also threaten the completion of mission objectives. The effects of anemia are felt only after you land and have to deal with gravity again. ”
In general, it takes three to four months for red blood cell counts to return to normal after astronauts return to Earth. But the scientists found that a year after landing, the number of red blood cells in their blood died was still 30 percent higher than before the space mission.
Trudel said: "This is our best description of red blood cell control in space and after returning to Earth. Considering that these measurements have never been made before, we don't know if anything will be found, but these findings must be staggering. Surprise and reward yourself with our curiosity! ”