Final Report - v3b - ld

Optimization of Food Rations for Astronauts 1

CENTENNIAL COLLEGESchool of Engineering Technology and Applied Science

Food Science Technology – Fast Track

Optimization of Food Rations for Astronauts(Final Report)

presented by:Nicola Di Pietro

STUDENT NUMBER:300776815

July 31, 2014

SUBMITTED TO:Professor Ilana Lucas

COURSE:Report Writing in a Tech. Env.

(ENGL-250 – sec. 075)

SEMESTER:Summer 2014

“I certify that this final report represents my own work in accordance with college expectations and guidelines, and that all outside research is properly cited. I understand that, with the first section of my paper that is found to contain uncited plagiarized information from another source (text or graphics), my professor will stop reading and I will receive a zero.”

Optimization Food Rations Astronauts 2

Summary

The objective of this report is to examine several ways to compensate for some of the

limits of the space missions’ food rations, and to improve astronauts' physical and cognitive

performance and health. The main limitations of their diet and situation are: the presence of

unhealthy and high-glycemic index foods, which can cause blood glucose fluctuations and

impair mental efficiency; the need to sensibly reduce weight and volume and to increase the

shelf-life of any product; and the reduced physical activity, which can cause a reduced

expression of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). In order to overcome these

problems, three mixes of natural healthy and effective products are proposed. Some

examples include acetyl-L-carnitine, shilajit, sodium-R-lipoate, vinpocetine and CDP-choline.

They can optimize glucose metabolism and reduce its fluctuations, increase cognitive

performance and health and improve memory and mental acuity. Finally, the investigation of

three new possibly promising molecules for these goals is proposed.


Table of Contents

Summary 2

1.0 Introduction 5

1.1 Problem 5

1.2 Background 5

1.3 Purpose 6

1.4 Scope 6

2.0 Discussion 7

2.1 Limitations and Potential Problems of the Astronauts' Food Rations 7

2.2 Compounds to Optimize Glucose Levels and Insulin Sensitivity 8

2.3 Compounds to Optimize Brain and Cognitive Performance, and to Protect Brain 13

2.4 Compounds to Remarkably Improve Memory and Mental Acuity 17

2.5 Compound to Increase the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels 20

2.6 Three Possible Future Molecules to Improve Brain Health and Performance 21

2.7 Dosages and amounts 26

3.0 Conclusion 26

4.0 Recommendations 27

References 28

Glossary 36

Appendices 37

Appendix A: Factors that contributed to the strong reduction of the available time 37

Appendix B: Dosage scheme example + total weight of the products per person 38

Tables

Table 1. Effect of oral supplementation of shilajit and CoQ10 treatment on energy status 16

in mice brain after forced swimming exercice

Table 2. Effect of oral supplementation of shilajit and CoQ10 treatment on energy status 16

in mice blood after forced swimming exercice

Table 3: Personal Summary of the Dosages of the products 39


Figures

Figure 1. The effect of taurine supplementation on glucose metabolism in rats 10

Figure 2. The effects of taurine supplementation on oral glucose tolerance tests and 11

glycated haemoglobin

Figure 3. The effects of taurine supplementation on insulin resistance, beta cell function, 12

glucose, insulin, and Insulin Tolerance Test

Figure 4. Dopamine and serotonin basal levels after acetyl-L-carnitine administration 14

Figure 5. Dopamine and serotonin accumulation levels after acetyl-L-carnitine 14

administration

Figure 5b. Acetyl-L-carnitine and ***Confidential portion has been removed*** 15

Figure 6. Synergysm of CoQ10 + shilajit as energy improvement in muscle, brain and 17

blood

Figure 7. ***Confidential portion has been removed*** 20

Figure 8. ***Confidential portion has been removed*** 21

Figure 9. Acetyl-L-carnitine 23

Figure 10. Alpha-lipoic acid (R- form) 23

Figure 11. Alanine in α and β form 24

Figure 12. Phosphatidylserine 24

Figure 13. Phosphatidylthreonine and phosphatidylglycine 25


1.0 Introduction

1.1 Problem

As stated by NASA (NASA Space Food, n.d.) proper nutrition is crucially important for

astronauts during space missions; this is especially true during the long-term missions in the

space stations. The space food rations have to be “appetizing” and “compatible with each

crew member's [...] psychological requirements” (NASA Space Food, n.d.). In order to satisfy

their personal preferences and requirements, the standard rations include unhealthy foods

that can impair astronauts' health and performance, including the mental and cognitive

abilities, like memory, concentration and focusing, which are very important for them.

1.2 Background

Food “not only provides nutrition for astronauts, but also enhances the psychological

well-being of the crew by establishing a familiar element in an unfamiliar and hostile

environment” (NASA Advanced Food, n.d.). It has to be “acceptable to the crew, while

efficiently balancing appropriate vehicle mass, volume, waste, and food preparation time for

exploration missions” (NASA Advanced Food, n.d.). These limitations can reduce the quality

of astronauts' diet and their performance, because, in order to meet the mentioned needs,

the food rations also include processed junk foods and/or high glycemic index foods, like

candies, chocolate, cookies, rice, potatoes and others (NASA Food for Space Flight, n.d.).

These types of food can lead to blood insulin and glucose fluctuations and impair the

physical and mental performance of the crew. These factors, the presence of processed

foods, and the particular environmental restrictions mentioned above, can cause increased

nutrient requirements. Furthermore, the lack of physical activity caused by microgravity

could reduce the synthesis of an important neurotrophic factor in the nervous system.


1.3 Purpose

Perlmutter (2013) showed that diet strongly influences brain's health and

performance. According to Slutsky et al. (2010), “learning and memory are fundamental

brain functions affected by dietary and environmental factors” (p. 165). The purpose of this

report is to analyze the scientific literature in order to identify different combinations of

natural healthy nutrients which can be able to compensate the mentioned problems, to

optimize the nutritional value of astronauts' food rations, and to improve their phyisical and

cognitive performances. The report begins by describing the main reasons of the mentioned

problems. Then it will examine:

• Three compounds which are able to optimize the blood glucose levels• Three compounds which can be used to optimize the general cognitive performance

and health of the brain• Four compounds that showed a remarkable ability to optimize memory and mental

acuity• Two compounds to be used in order to increase the levels of the mentioned

neurotrophic factor in the nervous system• Three possible new molecules that could be produced and tested in future researches

about brain's health and performance improvement

1.4 Scope

During the conduction of this research, several factors strongly limited the time at my

disposal. There were several midterm exams, reports, assignments and presentations during

the last two months. For more details about the time-consuming events, please refer to the

Progress Report, submitted on July 24th, and to the Appendix A. According to these reasons,

the main limitating factor was the reduced time availability, which decreased the amount of

research used in this report. With a greater availability of time, I could have supported all the

data showed with more references, and I could have proposed more solutions to the

mentioned problems.


2.0 Discussion

2.1 Limitations and Potential Problems of Astronauts' Food Rations

2.1.1 Effects of blood glucose and insulin fluctuations

The “Baseline Shuttle Food List” (NASA Food for Space Flight, n.d.) includes foods like

candies, coated chocolates, cornflakes, rice krispies, butter or chocolate cookies, crackers,

noodles and rice. These are high glycemic index and high glycemic load foods. They cause a

blood glucose spike first; then, because of the insulin peak produced as physiological

response, they induce a sharp blood glucose level drop, which can impair the physical and

mental performance. It can cause several symptoms, like sleepiness, or impair attention

level, mental focus, and efficiency (Bell & Sears, 2003; Cappelli & Vannucchi, 2000; Sears,

1999). Furthermore, these phenomena can stimulate inflammatory mediators (el Boustani,

et al., 2003; Pan, et al., 1995; Sears, 1999; Sears, 2003; Perlmutter, 2013). Brain is very

sensible to blood glucose fluctuations, insulin fluctuations and inflammatory mediators

(Sears, 2003; Perlmutter, 2013); they can strongly impair the mental performances (Sears

1999; Sears 2003; Perlmutter 2013).

2.1.2 Possible effects of microgravity on brain efficiency, health and BDNF release

The microgravity environment of space missions reduces the physical involvment of

astronauts. However, physical activity is needed for brain health and efficiency (Perlmutter,

2013), and even for the production of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

(Perlmutter, 2013, p. 132). According to the author (2013), the BDNF stimulates:

• the creation of new neurons (neurogenesis)• the protection of the existing neurons• synapse formation, which is “vital” in processes like “thinking, learning and higher

levels of brain function” (Perlmutter, 2013, pp. 131-132).


Because of the reduced muscular work caused by microgravity, the BDNF levels could

potentially be reduced.

2.2 Compounds to Optimize Glucose Levels and Insulin Sensitivity

The higher the insulin sensitivity, the better the body can manage and balance the

blood glucose level, and the less insulin it needs to release into the bloodstream in response

to carbohydrates ingestion. A high insulin sensitivity leads to a better stability of glucose and

insulin levels, and to reduced daily fluctuations of them. In order to improve these

parameters, a nutritional supplement can be added to the astronauts' daily diet. This

supplement should contain a synergy of natural compounds, which can improve the insulin

sensitivity and the glucose balance in the body. In order to guarantee an increased

effectiveness, a mixture of three compounds, having different nature, has been chosen. The

list of the compounds follows:

• Lipoic Acid• Cinnamon Extract• Taurine

2.2.1 Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is an useful antioxidant; it is able to improve the glycemic control,

even in patients with type II diabetes (Cappelli, et al., 2013, p. 425); it has an insulin-mimetic

effect (Sancheti, et al., 2013, p. 1). Lipoic acid significantly helps to control the fasting blood

glucose and the post prandial blood glulcose levels (Ansar, et al., 2011, p. 584). As mentioned

above, insulin is responsible for the increase of inflammatory factors (el Boustani, et al.,

2003; Pan, et al., 1995; Sears, 1999; Sears, 2003; Perlmutter, 2013); a reduced insulin level

could also be useful to control inflammations. Furthermore, lipoic acid has useful effects on

the nervous system, which means it can act in synergy with the other compounds that will be


shown later. Anderson (2011) published a well documented report about the benefits of

lipoic acid: antioxidant effect, ability to regenerate mitochondria, prevention of cellular

degeneration, cardiovascular defense, and brain cell protection (pp. 38-49). Lipoic acid exists

in the “R” and “S” forms, and human body can only use R-lipoic acid (Life Extension, Super R-

Lipoic, n.d.). Usually the nutritional supplements contain a 50/50 mixture of both the

mentioned forms (Life Extension, Super R-Lipoic, n.d.). A 100% R-lipoic acid supplement is

better. R-lipoic acid's stability can be improved making it a sodium salt, Sodium-R-Lipoate,

which showed an ability to increase the blood levels of R-lipoic acid ten to thirty times more

than R-lipoic acid alone (Life Extension, Super R-Lipoic, n.d.).

2.2.2 Cinnamon Extract

Anderson et al. (2004) showed that cinnamon extract can optimize insulin sensitivity

and glucose control (p. 65). Imparl-Radosevich et al. (1998) also detected an active role of

cinnamon extract in the regulation of insulin activity (p. 177). Furthermore, cinnamon

showed positive effects in brain, suggesting that it can contribute to the creation of an

effective synergy with the compounds that will be shown later in this report. There are

several positive effects of cinnamon on brain health and cognitive performance. According to

Khasnavis & Pahan (2014) it is able to protect neurons, to optimize neurotransmitters' levels

and to improve the motor activity. Rodriguez-Paez's report (n.d.) states that cinnamon

extract can also stimulate the creation of new brain cells (neurogenesis), and protect against

Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Tuttle (2005) documented several important effects of

cinnamon extract. According to the author, it can:

• Control and stabilize blood sugar “in several ways” (para. 1)• Promote healthy blood sugar levels and a healthy glucose metabolism (para. 3)• Prevent or “alleviate” glucose intollerance and diabetes (para. 3)


• Optimize and increase insulin sensitivity by the stimulation and the “up-regulations” of some genes involved in the activation of insulin's receptors (para. 3), whose inactivation is one of the main causes of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity decline

• Optimize the effects of fructose (para. 3)• Control blood lipid levels: LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides (para. 3)

2.2.3 Taurine

Kim et al. (2012) showed that taurine is able to optimize glucose control, insulin

sensitivity and leptin modulation in rats (p. 665). The Figure n. 1 shows the effects of taurine

supplementation on blood glucose levels in rats:

Figure 1. The effect of taurine supplementation on glucose metabolism in rats [Kim et al., 2012].

Macleavy (2013) published a report stating several and useful effects of taurine in glucose

control, and in nervous system health and efficiency. According to his research, a list of

taurine's benefits follows:

• Promotion of cardiovascular health• Promotion of insulin sensitivity• Promotion of glucose control• Strong retina protection• Reversing of tinnitus• Reversing of diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy and kidney damage• Electrolyte balance


• Improved hearing function• Heart failure prevention• Reduced mortality• Blood lipid lowering effect

Chen et al. (2001) determined a taurine's neuroprotective action against injury on

cultured neurons. Taurine can also “promote optimal blood flow to nervous tissue” (Life

Extension Taurine, n.d.). As for lipoic acid and cinnamon extract, taurine showed glucose

control capabilities together with potential benefits on brain efficiency, which could further

improve the synergic effect with the compounds that are going to be showed below. The

Figure n. 2 shows the effects of taurine supplementation on oral glucose tolerance tests and

on glycated haemoglobin. Taurine improved glucose management; the glycated haemoglobin

wasn't significantly affected (suggesting a probable need of a longer supplementation):

Figure 2. The effects of taurine supplementation on oral glucose tolerance tests and glycated haemoglobin [Kim et al., 2012].


The Figure n. 3 shows interesting results about the effects of taurine on insulin resistance

(HOMA-IR), beta cell function (HOMA-β), glucose, insulin, and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT):

Figure 3. The effects of taurine supplementation on insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), beta cell function (HOMA-Beta), glucose, insulin, and Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT). Lower results are better for glucose, insulin levels, and for HOMA-IR. Higher results are better for Homa-Beta and KITT [Kim et al., 2012].


2.3 Compounds to Optimize Brain and Cognitive Performance, and to Protect Brain Health

The proposed natural compounds for the general brain health and performance are:

• Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate• Ginkgo Biloba extract• Ubiquinol (a more absorbable form of coenzyme Q10) in combination with shilajit

2.3.1 Acetyl-L-Carnitine ***Confidential portion has been removed***

L-carnitine is able to increase the energy production in cells (Rowen, n.d., para. 10).

Acetyl-L-carnitine is more effective, especially in the nervous system (Rowen, n.d., para. 10).

This amino acid can improve the brain performance and cognition in several ways:

• It improves the release of serotonine and dopamine, and the adhesion of the second with its receptors (Tolu et al., 2002, p. 410; Sershen et al., 1991, p. 555)

• It increases choline uptake, acetylcholine synthesis and release, and it “enhances learning capacity as a cognitive function in aging rats” (Ando et al., 2001, p. 266)

• It has positive effects on mitochondrial energy production, on the antioxidative metabolism and on the acetylcholine synthesis in the brain of human patients with degenerative ataxias (Sorbi et al., 2000, p. 114)

Several positive effects of acetyl-L-carnitine on brain health and performance can be

found in the large number of references published in New Brain Regeneration Nutrient

Grows Neurites, Life Extension Magazine, Special Edition, 2004/2005 (Life Extension

Foundation, 2004), and in The Antiaging Effects of Acetyl-L-Carnitine New Research Yields

Unexpected Benefits, Life Extension Magazine, May 2000 (Life Extension Foundation, 2000).

The Figures nn. 4 and 5 show the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine on dopamine and serotonin (5-

HT) basal levels (A and B, Figure n. 4) and accumulation (C and D, Figure n. 5). Although the

effects of acetyl-L-carnitine are well known, a relatively new ***Confidential portion of the

paper has been removed***


2.3.2 Ginkgo Biloba extract

Oken et al. (1998, p. 1409) determined an increased cognition in patients affected by

Alzheimer's disease when treated with Ginkgo Biloba extract. Rai et al. (1991, p. 350) showed

a significantly improved cognition in the elderly patients with mild to moderate memory

impairment treated with this extract.

2.3.3 Ubiquinol in combination with shilajit

Coenzyme Q10 can improve mitochondria efficiency and energy production in cells

(Life Extension Super Ubiquinol, n.d.). Furthermore it produces several more beneficial

effects, especially in terms of increased energy levels (Life Extension Super Ubiquinol, n.d.).

Many Q10 supplements contain Ubiquinone (Life Extension Super Ubiquinol, n.d.), but

studies showed that another form of this coenzyme, the Ubiquinol, is absorbed eight times

more in the human body (Life Extension Super Ubiquinol, n.d.). Shilajit further optimizes

cellular energy and doubles coenzyme Q10 levels in mitochondria (Life Extension Super

Ubiquinol, n.d.). If combined with shilajit, Q10 is able to increase the energy production of

brain's cells by 56% (Bhattacharyya, 2009, p. 821). The Table n. 1 shows more details about

energy levels improvement obtained in rats' brain:


Table 1. Effect of oral supplementation of shilajit and CoQ10 treatment on energy status in mice brain after forced swimming exercice (SE) [Bhattacharyya et al., 2009].

The Table n. 2 shows the details of energy levels improvement obtained in rats' blood:

Table 2. Effect of oral supplementation of shilajit and CoQ10 treatment on energy status in mice blood after forced swimming exercice (SE) [Bhattacharyya et al., 2009].

The synergysm exerted by the combination of Coenzyme Q10 + shilajit on ATP levels and on

other “energy related parameters” (Bhattacharyya et al., 2009, p. 822), like AEC, TAN and

ATP-ADP ratio, is shown in the Figure n. 6 (the greater effect occurred in brain):


Figure 6. Synergysm of CoQ10 + shilajit in terms of energy improvement in muscle, brain and blood [Bhattacharyya et al., 2009].

2.4 Compounds to Remarkably Improve Memory and Mental Acuity

The following elements are also able to improve cognition and general mental

performance, with a specific focus on memory and mental acuity:

• Bacopa Monnieri extract• Magnesium-L-threonate• Alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline• Vinpocetine

2.4.1 Bacopa Monnieri extract

The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter needed to stay focused

and to “filter out” distractions (Rowen, n.d.); a lack of GABA can lead to “cloudy” thinking

and to troubled concentration (Rowen, n.d.). Bacopa monnieri extract is able to increase

GABA levels and to repair damaged nerve cells' connections (Rowen, n.d.). According to

Stough et al. (2008), Bacopa significantly produces cognitive and memory enhancments (p.

1629). Downey et al. (2013) stated that Bacopa extract has anxiolytic and nootropic effects;

furthermore, they detected its ability to improve acute cognitive performance (p. 1407).


Stough et al. (2001) published interesting findings:

B. monniera significantly improved speed of visual information processing

measured by the IT task, learning rate and memory consolidation measured by

the AVLT (P<0.05), and state anxiety (P<0.001) compared to placebo, with

maximal effects evident after 12 weeks [...] These findings suggest that B.

monniera may improve higher order cognitive processes that are critically

dependent on the input of information from our environment such as learning

and memory. (p. 481)

Calabrese et al. (2008), determined that Bacopa extract is able to enhance memory

and “cognitive performance in the aging” (p. 707).

2.4.2 Magnesium-L-Threonate

According to Slutsky et al. (2010), magnesium-L-threonate, a “newly developed

magnesium compound” (p. 165) is able to:

• Enhance “learning abilities, working memory, and short- and long-term memory in rats”

• Improve “the pattern completion ability”• Increase the density of “synaptophysin-/synaptobrevin-positive puncta in DG and CA1

subregions of hippocampus that [are] correlated with memory improvement”• Increase “the number of functional presynaptic release sites”• Enable “selective enhancement of synaptic transmission for burst inputs”• Produce an “upregulation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and its downstream

signaling”• Enhance the “synaptic plasticity induced by correlated inputs”

They concluded that “an increase in brain magnesium enhances both short-term

synaptic facilitation and long-term potentiation and improves learning and memory

functions” (p. 165). According to several studies (Life Extension Neuro-Mag™, n.d.),

magnesium-L-threonate can target (and be absorbed into) the nervous system and strongly


improve short-term and long-term memory.

2.4.3 Alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline

Rowen (n.d.) states that “over 20 studies involving more than 5,000 patients have

shown repeatedly that Alpha-GPC increases alertness, boosts learning, and revitalizes mental

performance [...] studies show that it can even improve memory and mental clarity in people

with severe mental decline” (para. 13). Alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline is able to increase

the amount of acetylcholine, which is “a neurotransmitter that enables brain cells to

communicate”, “is intimately involved in memory and learning”, and whose levels “markedly

decline as humans age past 30” (Life Extension Cognitex®, n.d.). Cytidine-5’-diphosphate-

choline, also known as CDP-choline, “enhances cerebral energy metabolism and increases

levels of various neurotransmitters” (Life Extension Cognizin®, n.d.). This form of choline

showed a more efficient absorption; Secades and Lorenzo (2006) state that it's able to

promptly pass through the blood-brain barrier and to reach the tissues in brain. It can be

useful to combine together Alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline and CDP-choline.

2.4.4 Vinpocetine

Several studies (Life Extension Vinpocetine, n.d.) showed that vinpocetine can:

• Improve memory, concentration and attention• Enhance the blood flow to brain (it safely dilates blood vesels and reduces blood

viscosity)• Enhance cerebral metabolism and support “optimal energy of healthy brains”• Improve glucose and oxygen use by the brain• Optimize brain's energy level• Support a healthy production of neurotransmitters

Vinpocetine is easily absorbed in the body during oral supplementation (Life

Extension Vinpocetine, n.d.). It is a versatile supplement with a remarkably wide range of

beneficial effects.


2.4.5 Other compounds able to improve brain health and cognitive performance

There are several additional compounds that can be combined with the mentioned

ones, showing important and relevant effects towards the mentioned goals; just to mention

some of them: EPA and DHA (long-chain omega3 fatty acids), blueberry extract,

ashwagandha, rhodiola and phosphatidylserine. Several more studies, an abundant

literature, are available for the products showed in this paper. For the reasons mentioned in

the paragraph 1.4 and in the Appendix A, it is not possible to write about them in this report.

This is a wide and promising universe that is worth to explore and investigate.

2.5 ***Confidential portion of the paper has been removed***


2.6 Three Possible Future Molecules to Improve Brain Health and Performance

***Confidential portion of the paper has been removed***


2.7 Dosages and amounts

The Appendix B contains an example of dosages and uses for the products

mentioned in this report, and a calculation of their total weight per person (daily amount).

Since the mentioned compounds are usually available as dry powders, which can be taken

both as powder or capsules, they also meet the best volume, weight and shelflife

requirements, which are of primary importance for the mentioned types of missions, as

stated in the paragraph n. 1.2. Their waste is zero and their preparation time is virtually null,

especially when taken in capsule form.

3.0 Conclusion

Except for the molecules hypothesized in the paragraph n. 2.6, the mentioned

compounds have been used for a long time by thousands of people worldwide. They are safe

and effective. Even though many of the mentioned studies and researches (but not all of

them) have been performed on animals or unhealthy people (especially elderly), there is a

very abundant data showing the effectiveness of the products proposed here. Usually people

can't afford to buy and combine several different supplements, and their options are limited,

mainly because of economic factors. With a strategic and balanced synergy of different

compounds, like those proposed in this research, the results can be appreciably increased if

compared with the average limited use of supplements for cognitive improvements. The

food rations for astronauts and for space missions could be remarkably optimized in order to

improve the health and performance (both physical and mental) of the crew. Their effects

could be especially useful when dealing with mid/long-term missions, for example on the

space stations. The need for a great focus and memory, fast reflexes, ability to concentrate

and to ignore distractions, and high brain and muscles' energy levels are very important


during the mentioned critical missions, in the hostile environment that characterizes them.

These mixtures could also be useful to improve performance, effectiveness and safety of the

missions in the research stations in Antarctica.

4.0 Recommendations

Based on the findings of this report, I would recommend the use of the mentioned

combinations of compounds as an experimental supplementation of the standard food

rations for missions in space and in any hostile environment. My main recommendation

would be to use the four listed mixes in order to:

• Improve the stability of glucose and insulin levels• Improve the general cognitive performance• Improve memory• Compensate the potential drop of BDNF due to microgravity

I would also recommend to perform research in order to assess the BDNF in the

astronauts during the space missions, in order to measure the extent of any possible reduced

expression of this important neurotrophic factor. It could be useful to verify any possible

interest of NASA in this field, under confidentiality agreement for the part regarding the new

molecules and for the particular combination proposed for the control of glucose and insulin

levels in the body. Finally, I would recommend to confidentially investigate the interest of

NASA or of any educational or research institution about the development of the new

molecules showed in the paragraph n. 2.6. These activities could also potentially lead to

further developments in this or in parallel fields.


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Glossary

Acetyl-L-carnitine: the acetylated form of the L-carnitine, an aminoacid involved in the

transportation of energy in the body's cells.

Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT): a test used to measure and assess memory

performance and possible memory deficits.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): a protein produced in the human brain which is

able to stimulate the neurogenesis.

Glycemic Index: the effect a food on the blood glucose levels after its ingestion.

Insulin: a hormone which produces several effects in the body. The most known effect is its

ability to lower the blood glucose level.

Neurogenesis: the creation of new neurons (nervous system's cells) in the brain.

Nootropic effect: Any effect consisting in an improvement of cognitive performance, like

cognition, memory, etc.


Appendices

Appendix A: Factors that contributed to the strong reduction of the available time

• June 25th: Quality Assurance 1 – midterm's exam, which prevented me to start to prepare a report backbone the days before the proposal's approval

• July 2nd: Food Science Project 1 research assignment and in-class test• July 3rd: 2 Biochemistry Lab reports• July 7th: Food Chemistry midterm's exam. I was relying on the long weekend to start

the report preparation, but this exam required an integration consisting in about two hundreds pages of a textbook. This examination completely took up any time available. In spite of this, I couldn't even completely finish the examination of the mentioned food chemistry book.

• July 8th: Two Food Chemistry Lab reports• July 14th: Food Processing and Technology personal presentation• July 15th: Food Science Project 1 personal presentation, plus two Food Chemistry Lab

reports• July 16th: Food Science Project 1 – Experiment n. 1 full formal APA report, plus Global

Citizenship assignment• July 17th: Two Biochemistry Lab reports• July 21th: Food Processing and Technology second midterm's exam• July 22th: Biochemistry second midterm's exam, two Food Chemistry Lab reports• July 24th: Biochemistry Lab report, English progress report• July 28th: Food Chemistry essay• July 29th: Two Food Chemistry Lab reports, one Food Chemistry Lab assignment• July 30th: Quality Assurance 1 audits' assignment (two hundreds questions to answer

in a three-people group, about seventy questions each), Quality Assurance 1 quality manual to write for a food company (in group of three people), Quality Assurance 1 presentation of the manual (in group of three people)

• July 31th: Two Biochemistry Lab reports• August 5th: Food Science Project 1 microorganism's full APA formal report and

MIC/MBC informal report, two Food Chemistry Lab reports• August 6th: Food Science Project 1 final Lab test• August 7th: Biochemistry final Lab exam, one Biochemistry Lab report, English

grammar test, English research project final report• From August 11th to August 14th: four final exams (Food Chemistry, Biochemistry,

Quality Assurance 1 and Food Processing and Technology 1)

Because of the several assignments and tests to be prepared by August 7th, the week of

August 4th to 7th is not available for the preparation of this report. For this reason I had to

finish it within August 3rd, and I could to start to write it only on July 31th.


Appendix B: Dosage scheme example + total weight of the products per person (daily dose)

The list of the products to be taken on empty stomach follows.

Sodium-R-Lipoate:

200 mg, 20 min. before breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cinnamon extract:

150 mg, 20 min. before breakfast, lunch and dinner


Acetyl-L-carnitine + ***Confidential portion of the paper has been removed*** (50/50):

1000 mg at wake up; 500 mg 20-30 min. before lunch.

The list of the products to be taken during meals follows.

Ginkgo biloba (min. 20% flavone glycosides; min. 5% terpene lactones):

100 mg, during breakfast and lunch.

Ubiquinol (CoQ10):

100 mg during the main meal of the day.

Shilajit (Primavie®):

100 mg during the main meal of the day.

Bacopa monnieri (min. 50% bacosides):

100 mg, during breakfast and lunch.

***Confidential portion of the paper has been removed***:

1000 mg during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Alpha Glycerophosphocholine:

150 mg during breakfast and dinner.


Cytidine 5'-diphosphate choline (CDP-choline):

200 mg during the breakfast.

Vinpocetine:

10 mg during breakfast and dinner.

The product to be taken on a different schedule follows.

***Confidential portion of the paper has been removed***:

500 mg, four times/day,***Confidential portion of the paper has been removed***

Total weight of the products: 11670 mg = 11.67 g/day for each member of the crew.

Table 3: Personal Summary of the Dosages of the products.

Product Moments Doses/day Amount/dose

Sodium-R-Lipoate 20 min. before meals 3 200 mg

Cinnamon extract 20 min. before meals 3 150 mg


Acetyl-L-carnitine At wake-up20-30 min. before lunch

2 500 mg250 mg


Ginkgo biloba during meals 2 100 mg

Ubiquinol during the main meal 1 100 mg

Shilajit during the main meal 1 100 mg

Bacopa monnieri during meals 2 100 mg


during meals 3 1000 mg

Alpha Glycerophosphocholine during meals 2 150 mg

CDP-choline during breakfast 1 200 mg

Vinpocetine during meals 2 10 mg


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