[Metabolic investigations in the 438-day space flight].

In the vast program of medical investigations fulfilled by the cosmonaut-physician in the nearly 15-mo orbital flight a large share related to metabolism. These comprehensive studies could not have been made earlier as they required appropriate medical qualification of investigator. The article highlights the scientific-methodical aspects of the program and biochemical, hematological and immunological data obtained by the cosmonaut-physician from the MIR crews. Results of these metabolic studies laid grounds for a system of laboratory diagnostic evaluation of crew health during long-term space flight.