Blood tests reveal why astronauts get constipated in space

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Published: 2026-09-28T13:56:34.983Z • Permanent link

New research published by NASA's Johnson Space Center has shed light on the mysterious phenomenon of astronaut constipation in space. The study, which analyzed blood samples from a group of astronauts on the International Space Station, reveals that the gut microbiome undergoes a significant shift within weeks of launch. The shift, which involves bacteria breaking down more protein as food moves more slowly through the intestines, may be the key to understanding why astronauts experience constipation in space. Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space, has long spoken out about the issue, citing her own experiences with constipation during her time on the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992. According to NASA, the constipation issue affects up to 90% of astronauts during their missions.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have been studying the effects of space travel on the human gut microbiome for several years. Led by Dr. Alessandro Carbone, the team has been analyzing blood samples from astronauts on the International Space Station to better understand the impact of microgravity on the gut. The study, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, found that the gut microbiome undergoes significant changes within weeks of launch, with bacteria breaking down more protein and producing different types of short-chain fatty acids. These changes may be contributing to the constipation issue experienced by astronauts.

NASA has been working to address the constipation issue in space for several years. In 2019, the agency launched a new study to investigate the effects of space travel on the gut microbiome. The study, which is ongoing, involves analyzing blood samples from astronauts on the International Space Station to better understand the impact of microgravity on the gut. NASA has also been working with pharmaceutical companies to develop new treatments for constipation in space. For example, the agency has partnered with the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, to develop a new medication that can help alleviate constipation in astronauts.

The discovery of the gut microbiome shift in astronauts has significant implications for the Data Sources domain. Companies such as Intuitive Surgical and Medtronic, which specialize in developing medical devices for the space industry, will be closely watching the research to see how it may impact their products. Researchers at institutions such as NASA and UCLA will also be paying close attention to the study, as it may provide new insights into the impact of microgravity on the human body. The study's findings may also have implications for the broader healthcare industry, as they could shed light on the impact of space travel on the gut microbiome and potentially lead to new treatments for constipation.

The discovery of the gut microbiome shift in astronauts also has significant implications for the space industry. Companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, which are working to develop new spacecraft and habitats for long-duration missions, will be closely watching the research to see how it may impact their operations. The study's findings may also have implications for the development of new treatments for constipation in space, which could be critical for future long-duration missions. For example, the study's findings may provide new insights into the impact of microgravity on the gut, which could lead to the development of new medications or treatments for constipation.

The discovery of the gut microbiome shift in astronauts is part of a larger pattern of research into the impact of microgravity on the human body. In recent years, researchers have made significant progress in understanding the effects of microgravity on the human body, including the impact on the cardiovascular system, the immune system, and the musculoskeletal system. The study's findings are also consistent with previous research, which has shown that microgravity can have a significant impact on the gut microbiome. For example, a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that microgravity can lead to changes in the gut microbiome, including a decrease in the abundance of beneficial bacteria and an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria.