Modulation of the Gut Microbiota through Precision Nutrition as a Physiological Countermeasure for Long-Duration Human Missions to Mars
Keywords:
gut microbiota, precision nutrition, microgravity, astronaut health, Mars missionsAbstract
Long-duration human space missions present unique physiological challenges due to environmental stressors such as microgravity, ionizing radiation, confinement, and restricted dietary diversity. Among the biological systems affected by these conditions, the gut microbiota plays a critical role in regulating immune function, metabolic balance, and intestinal health. This systematic review evaluates current scientific evidence on alterations in gut microbiota during spaceflight and explores the potential of precision nutrition as a physiological countermeasure for long-duration human missions to Mars. Following PRISMA guidelines, studies published between 2000 and 2025 were analyzed from major scientific databases focusing on microbiome changes in astronauts and spaceflight analog environments. The results indicate that spaceflight conditions may alter microbial diversity and metabolic pathways, potentially affecting host immunity and nutrient metabolism. Evidence also suggests that targeted nutritional interventions, including prebiotics, probiotics, and personalized dietary strategies, may help maintain microbial stability and improve physiological resilience. These findings highlight the importance of microbiome-centered nutritional approaches for supporting astronaut health in future deep-space exploration missions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marina CORRÊA FREITAS, Ana Luisa Maida (Author)
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