B-Complex: A Nutraceutical SANS Countermeasure
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Summary
In this project, the investigators propose to test effectiveness of a daily nutraceutical supplement containing bioactive B vitamins to mitigate optic disc edema in astronauts. The proposed countermeasure is intended to maximize functioning of the one-carbon metabolic pathway to provide enough substrate and cofactors to overcome any genetic differences that may impact the efficiency of enzyme function. By optimizing the pathway, this will 1) optimize endothelial function by increasing eNOS coupling and nitric oxide synthesis and 2) optimize collagen firmness and elasticity in the sclera and lamina cribrosa, and 3) minimize changes in total retinal thickness during and after flight. The protocol includes assessments of ocular health and function, along with determinants of vascular endothelial function, advanced glycation end products, and nutritional status and one carbon biochemistry. These additional measures will be critical for the further definition of the causes of optic disc edema in some astronauts after long-duration space flight, and in understanding the effect of the countermeasure. Finally, the supplemented subjects in this study will be compared against total retinal thickness data from previously flown astronauts known to have not taken supplements during their missions.
Description
Fasting (8-h) blood samples (7.5 mL SST and 5 mL EDTA tubes, 12.5 mL total per session) will be collected approximately 180 days and 45 days before flight, on approximate flight day 90, and 30 days before landing, Return to Earth +0-2 days and 30 days after landing. Blood samples will be analyzed for vitamin status and one-carbon biochemistry, as previously described. One blood sample (collected before flight) will be analyzed for approximately 511 SNPs matching the profile of testing from our ongoing research related to optic disc edema. Serum samples will be analyzed for biochemistry measur…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 20–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: • Must be astronauts selected for 6-12 month missions on the International Space Station Exclusion Criteria: • Subjects taking B-vitamin supplements
Interventions
- DrugVitamin B-Complex Supplement
Vitamin B-Complex Supplement containing: 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, riboflavin 5 phosphate, pyridoxal phosphate, and methylcobalamin
Location
- Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas