Constipation is common in astronauts – blood tests provide new answers

Constipation is common in astronauts – blood tests provide new answers

Posted by Københavns Universitet on August 17, 2026

-------- Original Version -----------

Many things are different in space – including how the intestines work. Constipation is a known side effect of space travel, but until now we have known little about why it happens. Now, researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with NASA, have examined blood samples from astronauts and have suggestions as to why the intestines slow down in space. This may provide useful information both for astronauts and for patients on Earth.

-------- English Version ------------

Many things are different in space – including how the intestines work. Constipation is a known side effect of space travel, but until now we have known little about why it happens. Now, researchers from the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with NASA, have examined blood samples from astronauts and have suggestions as to why the intestines slow down in space. This may provide useful information both for astronauts and for patients on Earth.

-------- Link if available ----------

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-74979-w#citeas