Effects of one year of extreme isolation in Antarctica on olfactory and gustatory functions.

ABSTRACT: Taste and smell are critical for food intake and maintaining adequate energy balance, particularly in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments. Hypoxic conditions, low humidity, and limited chemosensory exposure at Concordia Station in Antarctica may impair taste and smell functions, though research remains scarce. Gustatory and olfactory functions were assessed in 19 participants (39.2 ± 10.9 years) during two overwintering missions at Antarctic Concordia Station. Testing occurred six weeks pre-departure, three times during isolation, and six months post-isolation. Gustatory function was evaluated using ODOFIN Taste Strips; olfactory function using ODOFIN Sniffin' Sticks. Additionally, subjective sensory reports were collected. Hyposmia increased during isolation, accompanied by

SUBMITTER: Klos B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12413445 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature