Long-Duration Space Travel Support Must Consider Wider Influences to Conserve Microbiota Composition and Function

Abstract

The microbiota is important for immune modulation, nutrient acquisition, vitamin production, and other aspects for long-term human health. Isolated model organisms can lose microbial diversity over time and humans are likely the same. Decreasing microbial diversity and the subsequent loss of function may accelerate disease progression on Earth, and to an even greater degree in space. For this reason, maintaining a healthy microbiome during spaceflight has recently garnered consideration. Diet, lifestyle, and consumption of beneficial microbes can shape the microbiota, but the replenishment we attain from environmental exposure to microbes is important too. Probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and other methods of microbiota modulation currently available may be of benefit for shorter trips, but may not be viable options to overcome the unique challenges faced in long-term space travel. Novel fermented food products with particular impact on gut health, immune modulation, and other space-targeted health outcomes are worthy of exploration. Further consideration of potential microbial replenishment to humans, including from environmental sources to maintain a healthy microbiome, may also be required.