What is it about?
The science of Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition have individually investigated for years similar hostile environments, dealing with the aging orthopedic patient on Earth and the degenerative processes due to prolonged stay in space, respectively. The purpose of this article was to show the broad spectra of the nutritional aspects that Orthopedics and Space Research have in common, focusing on the extent rather than detailed evidence. The most relevant nutrition-related matches are: - The environmental risks, such as food insecurity, reduced movement, and stressful situations. - The negative consequences, comprising malnutrition, osteosarcopenia, and low food intake. - The three control phases of optimization, food security, and resilience. - The basic strategies of a balanced diet, supplementation, and engineered food systems.
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Why is it important?
The strength of this scoping review lies in the parallel mapping of two fields of research in nutrition never presented before. This method of organizing a nutritional support program into three different phases (optimization, acute phase, and resilience) could be a vital element that simplifies the comparison between any apparently diverse and complex setting. This certainly advocates not only for the need for high-quality research in each area but also for the feasibility of translating scientific evidence into different disciplines.
Perspectives
Decades of knowledge are inherited in hospitals specialized in musculoskeletal diseases and in the industries operating in the field of food supplements, modified texture foods, active packaging, and flavor enhancers. Whether we are dealing with aged orthopedic patients or space travelers, a nutrition professional specialized in the musculoskeletal system may be the common handler able to drive two trains without derailing.
Dr. M. Briguglio
IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi - Sant'Ambrogio
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Nutritional Orthopedics and Space Nutrition as Two Sides of the Same Coin: A Scoping Review, Nutrients, February 2021, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/nu13020483.
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Resources
Alimentazione degli astronauti e dei pazienti ortopedici: soluzioni comuni
Le esigenze nutrizionali di astronauti e pazienti ortopedici allettati per lungo tempo sono simili e possono avere soluzioni nutrizionali comuni. Lo rivela uno studio del Galeazzi.
Perioperative nutrition in orthopedic patients
An attentive peri-operative program could take years to be integrated in a specific setting, but would certainly guarantee the optimal medical model. The low risk profile compared to the great potential benefits warrant the consideration of incorporating a comprehensive nutritional support program in orthopedic surgery.
Original study article
This is the paper that reported the original published article.
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