Better understanding space anemia with MARROW

Uploaded on January 31, 2022

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Better understanding space anemia with MARROW

2022-01-31 – The Canadian experiment MARROW, conducted on the International Space Station, studied how bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside bones) and the blood cells it produces change in space. The study produced interesting results that help us better understand space anemia.

MARROW’s findings suggest that further research is needed to fully understand spaceflight-related anemia. Mitigating strategies, like an adapted diet, may be necessary for crews embarking on longer missions. (Credits: Canadian Space Agency, NASA, The Ottawa Hospital/University of Ottawa)

Better understanding space anemia with the MARROW experiment

Dr. Guy Trudel: Ever since the first human spaceflight, it has been found that astronauts come back anemic.

During a six-month mission, astronauts’ bodies were destroying 54% more red blood cells than typical preflight rates.

Dr. Guy Trudel: Anemia can be devastating for astronauts. Getting to Mars without enough red blood cells could really jeopardize a mission.

We have a similar situation on Earth.

Prolonged bed rest causes anemia, but no one knows why.

MARROW's findings may be able to provide us with answers.

Dr. Odette Laneuville: So my hope is to contribute informative data for healthcare providers, for the government decision makers and so we can move and improve health on Earth, but also we can also hope to go in space travelling for long period at a time.

Take a look at the results of the MARROW experiment.

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