A substance found in red wine can help protect astronaut muscles during long space missions, including trips to Mars.

It is the resveratrol, a known ingredient for antioxidants, which, according to one study, has shown promising results in preserving mass and muscle strength.

The study was published in the scientific magazine éFrontiers in Physiologyão by a Harvard University team co-ordinated by Marie Mortreux. The experiments are conducted on animals exposed to low – gravity conditions, similar to those that may be experienced on Mars.

According to researchers, the journey to Mars with current technology takes about six months. During this time, astronauts can cope with muscle and bone weakening, a problem known as long missions at the International Space Station.

After the first three weeks in space, some muscles begin to weaken, Mortreux stressed, underlining the importance of finding ways to reduce these effects.

Proper nutrition, according to her, along with physical activity can play an important role in maintaining astronaut health during long – term missions.

Resveratro has shown positive results in animals, affecting muscle growth through improved insulin sensitivity. However, additional studies are needed to determine whether these effects can be confirmed in humans.

The findings do not mean that drinking red wine is recommended for muscle strengthening, since the results of experiments on animals cannot be applied directly to humans.

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