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Background and objective Space radiation is a major health risk in spaceflight, causing excessive DNA damage. Current countermeasures are limited and may cause side effects. This study evaluates the potential of nutrition-based interventions (NBIs) as non-invasive countermeasures through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties against space radiation-induced DNA damage. Methods The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched in February and June 2025 to identify studies that evaluated the effects of NBIs on space radiation-induced DNA damage using in vivo and in vitro models. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE tool. Results were presented using forest plots and synthesized using a random-effects model. Results Out of 825 records initially identified, 13 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Of those, 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated a significant protective effect of NBIs against space radiation-induced DNA damage ( p < 0.0001) in both in vitro and in vivo models. The subgroup analysis revealed that NBIs were most effective in reducing DNA damage from exposure to low linear energy transfer (LET) radiation (p < 0.0001). Regarding treatment timing, pre-radiation supplementation exhibited the strongest radioprotective effect ( p < 0.0001). Finally, liver-derived models exhibited the most significant radioprotective benefits ( p < 0.05). High heterogeneity and unclear risk of bias were noted but were explored through subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses. Conclusions NBIs significantly reduced space radiation-induced DNA damage, with the greatest benefits observed from pre-radiation administration and against low LET radiation. All cell types benefited, with liver cells showing the strongest response. Consistent effects observed in vivo and in vitro models suggest translational relevance for astronaut health during extended missions. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in human populations and actual spaceflight conditions.
Pavlidis et al. (Wed,) studied this question.