5 days in dry immersion disturb iron metabolism in males and females: results from the ESA VIVALDI and VIVALDI2 studies

Abstract Iron is essential for cell respiration, muscle metabolism and oxygen transport. Recent researches have demonstrated that simulated microgravity rapidly affects iron metabolism in males. However, its impact in females remains unclear. This study aims to compare iron metabolism alteration in both sexes exposed to 5 days of dry immersion. Our findings demonstrate that females, similarly to males, experience increased iron availability and elevated serum hepcidin levels, indicative of iron misdistribution.