Review Article

Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Fruit Pulp as a Functional Ingredient for Space and Terrestrial Bone Health

Abstract

Bone health is a critical concern on Earth and in space, where microgravity-induced bone demineralization poses serious health risks. Astronauts lose 1% to 2% of their bone mineral density per month in microgravity. This occurs because bones no longer need to support the body against gravity. On Earth, gravity exerts a continual mechanical load on the skeleton, helping bones maintain density and support the body. To prevent bone demineralization, functional foods high in calcium and bioactive substances are increasingly being investigated. This article reviews the nutritional composition, bioactive properties, and functional potential of baobab fruit pulp as a functional ingredient to promote bone health in both terrestrial and spaceflight contexts. Compositional findings indicate that baobab pulp is a carbohydrate-rich, micronutrient-dense plant matrix with moderate fiber and low lipid levels, characteristics increasingly recognized as important for bone metabolism via gut-bone and mineral bioavailability pathways. The significant mineral and phytochemical composition, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, makes baobab fruit a potential functional ingredient in terrestrial and space diets.