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Bridging Space and Military Nutrition: Energy Balance Challenges and Countermeasures in Extreme Environments

delete2026-06-15
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Nicole M Sekel
S
Stefan M. Pasiakos *
DOI:10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101580delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This critical review underscores the profound challenges of maintaining energy balance in high-consequence occupations in extreme environments, revealing fundamental differences, such as microgravity, radiation, and isolation stressors during spaceflight compared with terrestrial extremes of altitude and temperature during military operations. Herein, we highlight substantial logistical and physiological overlaps in mechanisms like appetite suppression, gastrointestinal disturbances, exercise-induced satiety signaling, sleep deficits, and psychological strain. These distinct and shared dynamics perpetuate negative energy balance, culminating in comparable sequelae that jeopardize mission success and long-term health. By synthesizing evidence from short and long-duration space missions with military training and operational contexts, we identify translational opportunities for optimizing dietary intake and minimizing the consequences of negative energy balance. We highlight issues pertaining to food palatability and antioxidant and micronutrient status, and we explore novel countermeasures to minimize musculoskeletal tissue degradation and maintain functional capacity.
Keywords:
energy expenditure
negative energy balance
energy deficit
ingestive behavior
rations
AEE
activity energy expenditure
BMD
bone mineral density
DLW
doubly labeled water
DXA
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
EVA
extravehicular activities
FFM
fat-free mass
GI
gastrointestinal
GLP-1
glucagon-like peptide-1
ISS
International Space Station
MRE
meals ready-to-eat
NASA
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
REE
resting energy expenditure
SANS
spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome
SLS
Shuttle Spacelab missions
T3
triiodothyronine
TDEE
total daily energy expenditure
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the journal of nutrition
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