Astronauts face many challenges in space, including the baffling issue of food tasting bland. This problem can impact their nutrition, prompting researchers to investigate.
A new study from Australian and Dutch scientists suggests that the issue may stem more from isolation and discomfort than from weightlessness alone.
Previous theories linked bland food to fluid shifts caused by microgravity, which affect facial swelling and taste perception. However, some astronauts still reported food issues after these effects subsided.
Food scientist Grace Loke and her team explored how environment and mental state affect aroma perception. They used a virtual reality simulation to mimic the International Space Station (ISS) experience.
Participants in the VR environment rated the intensity of vanilla, almond, and lemon scents. They found that lemon’s scent remained constant, while vanilla and almond scents seemed stronger in the simulated ISS.
The researchers believe benzaldehyde, a compound in vanilla and almonds, might be influencing these perceptions. Their findings suggest that aroma perception can vary based on context.
This research may lead to better-designed astronaut foods and have potential applications on Earth, such as improving diets in isolated environments like nursing homes.
The study is detailed in the International Journal of Food Science + Technology.
