Resveratrol Supplements May Help Astronauts Preserve Bone And Muscle Mass On Mars Missions

NEWS

Diet and supplements containing resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine, could be key for helping astronauts preserve bone and muscle mass on missions to Mars, according to a new study.

COMMENT

It is well-known that, for any space mission longer than a few days, it is essential for astronauts to exercise daily. Otherwise, due to the lack of gravity, they will experience a weakening and loss of bone and the atrophying of muscles. Significantly, therefore, recognizing the importance of optimally protecting the health of its astronauts, NASA has also tested the use of nutritional supplements aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

However, it isn’t only astronauts who can benefit from supplemental micronutrients for preserving bone and muscle mass. Because bone and muscle mass also deteriorate as part of the ageing process, we can all benefit from supplementing our diets with the correct micronutrients.

Significantly, therefore, while many people mistakenly believe that vitamin D and calcium are the only micronutrients needed for healthy bones, this overlooks the fact that the framework of the bone on which calcium and other minerals are deposited is made of a protein – collagen. Without healthy collagen, bone cannot form or function properly. Healthy bone therefore depends not only on having sufficient amounts of calcium and vitamin D, but more importantly on a proper supply of vitamin C, the amino acids lysine and proline, and other collagen-supporting micronutrients.

Of all the body’s muscles, maintaining the normal functioning of the cardiac muscles is particularly vital as they have to work constantly throughout our lives. A normal human heart pumps an average of around 5 liters of blood throughout the body every single minute. This requires the heart to be provided with a constant supply of nutrients in order to function properly. Nutrients such as B vitamins, carnitine, coenzyme Q10 and others are particularly critical for producing the necessary bioenergy required for optimal cardiac function.

To read Dr. Rath’s recommendations for daily micronutrient supplementation, see the ‘Cellular Health Recommendations’ feature on our website. To learn more about the impressive health benefits of resveratrol and other biologically active plant substances, visit the Phytobiologicals section of our website.