DIETARY INTAKE CAN PREDICT AND PROTECT AGAINST CHANGES IN BONE
METABOLISM DURING SPACEFLIGHT AND RECOVERY (PRO K)
Research Area: Integrated Physiology and Nutrition
Expeditions: 21-ongoing
Principal Investigator(s): ● Scott M. Smith, PhD, Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Dietary Intake Can Predict and Protect Against Changes in Bone Metabolism during
Spaceflight and Recovery (Pro K) investigation is NASA’s first evaluation of a dietary
countermeasure to lessen bone loss of astronauts. Pro K proposes that a flight diet with a
decreased ratio of animal protein to potassium will lead to decreased loss of bone mineral. Pro K
has impacts on the definition of nutritional requirements and development of food systems for
future exploration missions and could yield a method of counteracting bone loss that would have
virtually no risk of side effects.
EARTH BENEFITS
Given the growing trend in the United States toward diets high in animal protein, the proposed
research has direct public health significance.
SPACE BENEFITS
If successful, the study could lead to improvements in bone health during spaceflight, with use
of a countermeasure that requires no additional stowage, crew time, power, or other constrained
resources.
RESULTS
Pro K is an ongoing investigation data, and conclusive results will be published following
completed data collection and analysis.
This investigation is ongoing and additional results are pending publication.