All about space anaemia, the condition Sunita Williams may be at risk of during her extended stay in space

NASA has announced that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Boeing’s Starliner capsule in June, will have to remain in orbit for an extended period.

Due to ongoing issues with the Starliner spacecraft, the astronauts’ mission, originally planned for eight days, will now last approximately eight months.

As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, understanding and managing the health effects of space travel becomes increasingly important. One such condition that has emerged as a significant concern is space anaemia. This phenomenon, characterised by a reduction in red blood cells and haemoglobin levels, poses unique challenges for astronauts on prolonged missions, explained Dr Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.

What is space anaemia?

Space anaemia is a condition observed in astronauts during and after extended space missions. Unlike anaemia on Earth, which is often caused by nutritional deficiencies or chronic diseases, space anaemia is primarily due to the body’s adaptation to the unique environment of space, said Dr Singhla.

In microgravity, the body experiences significant fluid shifts. On Earth, gravity helps maintain the distribution of blood and fluids throughout the body. However, in space, this gravitational pull is absent, leading to an upward shift of bodily fluids towards the head. This shift impacts blood volume and the production of red blood cells.

Continued medical follow-up after returning to Earth is essential to manage any residual effects of space anaemia and address potential cardiovascular risks.(Source: file)

Causes and mechanisms

According to Dr Singhla, space anaemia arises as a consequence of these fluid shifts. In a microgravity environment, the body’s physiological mechanisms adjust to the new fluid distribution, leading to a reduction in the overall blood volume. Consequently, this reduction can result in lower red blood cell counts and decreased haemoglobin levels.

The primary cause of space anaemia is thus tied to how the body responds to and compensates for the lack of gravity. The altered fluid dynamics in space can trigger changes in the bone marrow’s red blood cell production, contributing to the development of anaemia.

Health implications

While space anaemia itself is not fatal, its effects on astronauts’ health are noteworthy. Dr Singhla emphasises that the condition can lead to several long-term health issues, particularly if not properly managed.

1. Physiological Stress: The reduction in red blood cells and haemoglobin can cause fatigue, weakness, and decreased exercise capacity. This physiological stress can impact astronauts’ performance and well-being during missions.
2. Cardiovascular Risks: One of the more concerning long-term effects is the increased risk of cardiovascular issues. Lower red blood cell counts can lead to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues and organs, potentially straining the cardiovascular system. Over time, this strain can elevate the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular complications.

Continued medical follow-up after returning to Earth is essential to manage any residual effects of space anaemia and address potential cardiovascular risks.

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