Antioxidant Cocktail Effects on Simulated Microgravity

This experiment consisted of a 2-month HDBR period with a 14-day baseline data collection period before HDBR and a 14-day recovery period after it. During the 2-month HDBR period, the subjects laid in a supine position with a −6° tilt to preserve simulated microgravity effects. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups on a double-blind basis. Ten of the participants were part of the “Placebo” group, whereas the ten others were part of the “Cocktail” group and received a daily antioxidant/anti-inflammatory cocktail during the 2-month bedrest period. All pills were taken at mealtimes to reduce the risks of secondary effects affecting the gastrointestinal area. Each subject had a daily medical examination, and the MEDES team took several standardized measurements. Room lighting was on between 07.00 and 23.00 h. During the entire hospitalization phase, the diet was monitored, and the meals were defined by the MEDES nutritionist and provided by Toulouse Hospital. During the HDBR period, the subjects remained in a supine position with a −6° tilt continuously, even during a daily 20-min extraction for toilet procedures and weighing (to preserve as much as possible the effects of simulated microgravity) and were instructed not to produce any unnecessary movements with their limbs.