Review Article
Antioxidant Countermeasures for Oxidative Stress in Spaceflight and Terrestrial Environments
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
102-109
Received:
7 July 2026
Accepted:
20 July 2026
Published:
10 August 2026
Abstract: Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when the body produces more reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly known as free radicals, than its natural antioxidant defenses can effectively neutralize. When this imbalance persists, it can damage cells and tissues, contributing to the development of various chronic diseases. These highly reactive molecules can affect important cellular components such as lipids, proteins, and DNA, disrupting normal biological functions. On Earth, oxidative stress is often linked to factors such as environmental pollution, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, unhealthy diets, smoking, and other lifestyle habits that increase free radical production. The challenge becomes even greater in space. Astronauts are exposed to conditions far more extreme than experienced on Earth, including microgravity, prolonged isolation, disrupted sleep cycles, and intense exposure to ionizing cosmic radiation. Together, these factors place additional stress on the body, increasing the likelihood of mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced cellular repair capacity, and genetic damage. As a result, astronauts may face accelerated physiological changes that can affect multiple body systems during and after space missions. This study investigates how oxidative stress develops and influences human health in both terrestrial and spaceflight environments. It also investigates the efficacy of various preventative methods for reducing oxidative damage. Both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants receive specific attention, including naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes, vitamins, dietary flavonoids, polyphenols, and specialized nutritional supplements. Current research suggests that these measures can help reduce cellular damage, increase the body's defenses, and boost resilience under difficult situations. Understanding oxidative stress in normal and extreme environments allows researchers to design more effective techniques to safeguard human health. Advances in nutrition, biomedical sciences, and technology may give useful tools for reducing oxidative damage, improving long-term well-being, and enhancing human performance on Earth and in space.
Abstract: Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when the body produces more reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly known as free radicals, than its natural antioxidant defenses can effectively neutralize. When this imbalance persists, it can damage cells and tissues, contributing to the development of various chronic diseases. These highly reactive molecules can aff...
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Research Article
Dietary Diversification Impact on Lipid and Carbohydrate Profiles of School-aged Children in Nawa Region (Cote d’Ivoire)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
110-117
Received:
20 June 2026
Accepted:
6 July 2026
Published:
22 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajls.20261404.12
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Abstract: In Cote d’Ivoire, there is an imbalance between food intake and nutritional needs among school-aged children. Studies have indicated that dietary diversification could provide a solution. A study was therefore conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary diversification on the lipid and carbohydrate profiles of children in school canteens in the Nawa region. This study was conducted during October 2017 to May 2018 in school canteens of 12 localities in the Nawa region (Cote d’Ivoire). It included 240 school-aged children, 6 -12 years old, divided into four groups of 60. Four types of meals were offered, one for each of the four groups: rice with tomato sauce and fish, sweet potato stew enriched with green soybeans, sweet potato stew enriched with white cowpea, and sweet potato stew enriched with cowpea and soybeans. Blood samples were taken at the beginning, mid-term, and the end of the study. The blood tests measured were triglycerides, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL), and blood glucose using the COBAS c311 analyzer. The results revealed that blood glucose (0.75 - 1.10 g/L), total cholesterol (1.06 - 2.50 g/L), and triglyceride (0.30 - 1.34 g/L) levels remained normal in children during the experimental period, with the exception of blood glucose in phase 2 of group 4. This value was significantly lower (P < 0.05), ranging from 0.72 to 0.68 g/L, compared to group 1 (control). In contrast, groups 2 and 3 experienced significant increases (P < 0.05) (from 0.75 to 0.79 g/L and from 0.83 to 0.85 g/L, respectively), compared to group 1 (control). Furthermore, in all children across the different groups, regardless of the sampling period, a decrease in HDL-c and LDL-c levels was observed, with the exception of the last sampling phase (P2) for group 4, which showed significantly increased HDL-c and LDL-c levels, respectively (from 0.29 to 0.65 g/L and from 0.63 to 1.47 g/L). A normalization of the lipid and carbohydrate profile was observed in the children who consumed the different meals offered during the study. The meal based on sweet potato, soybeans, and cowpea could be chosen as a means of dietary diversification in school canteens to improve school-aged children lipid and carbohydrate status.
Abstract: In Cote d’Ivoire, there is an imbalance between food intake and nutritional needs among school-aged children. Studies have indicated that dietary diversification could provide a solution. A study was therefore conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary diversification on the lipid and carbohydrate profiles of children in school canteens in the Naw...
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,
Otum Augustine Oko
