Bulgarian yogurt freshly prepared could be incorporated into an astronaut's diet to boost intestinal health and overall well-being, supporting humanity's extraterrestrial ambitions, according to a new study cited by DairyReporter.

Tests in the Desert

Tests conducted at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) of the Mars Society in the Utah desert have shown that Bulgarian yogurt could be easily prepared by analogue astronauts participating in a two-week "mission" in a closed environment similar to Mars.

The yogurt, which is prepared using Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, has also been found to have a positive effect on the overall well-being of astronauts and on intestinal health, according to findings published in the Journal of Ethnic Foods.

"Highlighting the ease of preparation [of Bulgarian yogurt] in space conditions is a notable achievement, as providing varied and fresh food for astronauts has been a persistent challenge," wrote scientists from MDRS, Curtin University (Australia), Ritsumeikan University (Japan), and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

"Its adaptability as a space food option, along with its positive impact on the health and general well-being of astronauts, underscores the need for further exploration and integration of this ancient dietary practice into modern space nutrition strategies.

"Based on these findings, we strongly recommend homemade yogurt to be included as a standard menu item for space crews.

The Benefits of Yogurt Consumption During Space Missions go Beyond Nutrition; it also contributes to the morale and well-being of the crew, making it a valuable addition to future interplanetary expeditions."

Challenges of Extended Space Travel

Humanity's journey beyond our earthly home has captivated the imagination of scientists and science fiction writers for decades. NASA, the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has stated that crewed missions to the Red Planet should be feasible by the 2030s.

Such missions are not without significant technological challenges, and while much attention will be focused on rocket design and propulsion, supporting the health and well-being of astronauts through diet represents massive challenges.

According to a 2011 review in the Journal of Food Science, a mission to Mars would require two sets of food: one would be pre-packaged food similar to those currently used on the International Space Station (ISS), which can be consumed in transit.

The second set of food would be a Martian pantry for the crew to eat upon arrival. In this case, the food from the Martian pantry could be anywhere from three to five years old by the time an astronaut consumes the provisions. A third option is to find ways to cultivate products or make their own food during the mission.

An Efficient Approach

As noted by researchers in the new MDRS study, Bulgarian yogurt offers an "efficient and practical approach to maintaining a diverse and healthy intestinal microbiome," linked to its long shelf life and probiotic properties.

Maintaining a healthy intestinal microbiome during space travel – as on Earth – is essential for health. A 2019 study in Scientific Reports led by scientists from the J. Craig Venter Institute reported that an astronaut's microbiome is altered during space travel, data indicating that the gastrointestinal microbiome of astronauts aboard the International Space Station tends to become similar across the entire crew.

While there have been some data suggesting a neutral or even beneficial change in the microbiome during extended space missions, there have also been some increases in genera associated with chronic intestinal inflammation (e.g., Parasutterella).

An analysis in 2022 in Life, led by scientists affiliated with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, noted that the microbiome is linked to a range of health conditions, including immunity, bone health, and cognitive function, and harmful changes in the microbiome during long-duration space travel could manifest in negative consequences for astronauts' health as missions extend from months to years.

Fresh Yogurt on the Way to Mars: Easy Preparation, No Training Required!

"Prioritizing their intestinal health, astronauts will be better equipped to perform at their best and remain healthy throughout their mission to Mars," said the Journal of Ethnic Foods publication.

The researchers said astronauts can feasibly prepare Bulgarian yogurt from powdered milk (lyophilized) by adding small amounts of starter cultures.

"The process requires minimal time and effort, and reliable temperature control is easily achieved through thermal insulation in a small container or by using an existing heat-emitting device," they wrote. "Any crew member can accomplish it by following simple steps; no training is required." (Photo: Freepik)

(Cf: Journal of Ethnic Foods "Can Bulgarian Yogurt enhance astronauts' performance during the Mars Missions?" Authors: I. Shopova, et al.)