Expectations for Dietitians in the Field of Space Nutrition

Abstract

The environment of space has characteristics that differ markedly from those on Earth, including microgravity and exposure to radiation, and these factors exert multidimensional effects on the physiological functions of astronauts. Under such conditions, nutritional management is not merely a matter of nutrient supply; it is an essential component of mission-wide risk management. Historically, the health management of Japanese astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has relied largely on systems led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). However, in 2020, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) established an independent nutritional management framework in which registered dietitians conduct analysis, evaluation, and provide professional guidance. This development has reduced the time lag between food intake and feedback, enabling greater visualization of dietary behavior and facilitating more individualized, context-specific support tailored to the condition of each individual astronaut. This review summarizes the current state of nutritional management in the space environment and examines the role of Japanese foods in this context, while spotlighting key challenges anticipated in preparation for exploration missions to the Moon and Mars beyond 2030. As professionals who are required to translate nutritional science into practical applications, registered dietitians are expected to play an increasingly important role by enabling a continuous exchange of knowledge between space-based research and terrestrial practice.