Astronauts have low bone density?!

Bone density declines around 10 times faster than on earth

Did you know that astronauts on long-term expeditions in space suffer rapid bone density decline? Bone density measurements in the thigh bone of astronauts returning from space revealed that bone density declined by 1.0 to 1.5% per month on average. This is roughly 10 times faster than the average person struggling with bone health.

Osteoporosis medications revealed to be effective

Some might wonder why this happens considering the fact that astronauts undergo extensive training to strengthen their bodies. The key to solve this mystery is bone stimulation.

Many of you may have already figured out the answer. Bone regeneration requires the stimulation provided by exercise, but the zero-gravity environment of space does not place enough burden on the body, and thus the bones are not stimulated sufficiently. Astronauts do exercise during their missions in space, but this is not enough.

Recent research has shown that osteoporosis medications are effective in controlling bone density loss for astronauts in space.

This result was achieved together with the intake of functional space food fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and also exercise for stimulating bones and muscles, but this was a significant discovery nonetheless for astronauts, who struggled with bone health after returning from their missions.

Our bones need stimulation

We saw how an environment without bone stimulation can affect our bone density. The zero-gravity environment of space is an extreme example, but we are fortunate that we can sufficiently stimulate our bones through normal exercise under the Earth`s gravity. Let’s maintain our bone health through calcium-rich diets and stimulating our bones through daily exercise!