The operational and research projects are designed to provide
information regarding the nutrient requirements for space
flight, including the International
Space Station, and
potential exploration missions outside of low-Earth orbit
(e.g., Lunar base, mission to Mars). There is also critical
interaction with groups in other areas. Some examples include
space medicine, countermeasure development, evaluation
and validation, food system development, and advanced life
support.
Current Projects
Nutritional Status Assessment 
The Nutritional Status Assessment measures dietary intake, body composition,
protein, bone, iron, mineral, vitamin, and antioxidant status.
It was developed as a Supplemental Medical Objective as part
of the Space Medicine Program. This project was completed
on NASA/Mir Increments 6 and 7. Currently, it is a medical
requirement for the U.S. crew-members on-board the ISS.
INFLIGHT
- Weekly dietary intake is measured using a computerized food frequency questionnaire
(FFQ). The FFQ provides information on six key nutrients.
- Body mass is measured using the body mass measuring device.
PRE-/POSTFLIGHT
- Blood/urine samples are collected and analyzed for 60+ analytes.
- Data is provided to each crewmember's flight surgeon.
 These procedures will also provide a better understanding of the physiological
changes that occur in microgravity. Furthermore, the studies
will be helpful in defining and assessing countermeasures
to the physiological changes.
The nutritional assessment profile was developed in collaboration with an extramural
panel of experts, including:
- Gladys Block, University of California at Berkeley
- Stephen Coburn, Fort Wayne State Developmental Center
- Michael Holick, Boston University
- Carl Keen, University of California at Davis
- Donald McCormick, Emory University
- James Olson, Iowa State University
- Connie Weaver, Purdue University
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