What mineral leaching contributes significantly to the increased risk of kidney stones in space?
Answer
Calcium leaching from bone density changes
A persistent urological concern for astronauts, especially on long-duration missions, is the increased potential for kidney stone formation. This risk is heavily influenced by changes in bone density that occur in microgravity. As the body loses bone mass, calcium leaches into the bloodstream. The kidneys then excrete this excess calcium, leading to urine that becomes supersaturated with stone-forming minerals. This high concentration, sometimes coupled with altered urinary pH levels, creates the ideal environment for crystals to aggregate and form painful stones, necessitating strict dietary countermeasures.
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