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The impact of religious fasting on human health

DOI:10.1186/1475-2891-9-57
Authors:
John Trepanowski at University of Illinois at Chicago
John Trepanowski
Richard J Bloomer
Richard J Bloomer
Richard J Bloomer
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Abstract and Figures

The past two decades have seen a rise in the number of investigations examining the health-related effects of religiously motivated fasts. Islamic Ramadan is a 28 - 30 day fast in which food and drink are prohibited during the daylight hours. The majority of health-specific findings related to Ramadan fasting are mixed. The likely causes for these heterogeneous findings are the differences between studies in the following: 1) the amount of daily fasting time; 2) the percentage of subjects who smoke, take oral medications, and/or receive intravenous fluids; and 3) the subjects' typical food choices and eating habits. Greek Orthodox Christians fast for a total of 180 - 200 days each year, and their main fasting periods are the Nativity Fast (40 days prior to Christmas), Lent (48 days prior to Easter), and the Assumption (15 days in August). The fasting periods are more similar than dissimilar, and they can each be described as a variant of vegetarianism. Some of the more favorable effects of these fasts include the lowering of body mass, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. The Biblical-based Daniel Fast prohibits the consumption of animal products, refined carbohydrates, food additives, preservatives, sweeteners, flavorings, caffeine, and alcohol. It is most commonly partaken for 21 days, although fasts of 10 and 40 days have been observed. Our initial investigation of the Daniel Fast noted favorable effects on several health-related outcomes, including: blood pressure, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, and biomarkers of oxidative stress. This review summarizes the health-specific effects of these fasts and provides suggestions for future research.
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... Latar Belakang : Restriksi Kalori merupakan pengurangan asupan kalori tanpa malnutrisi, sebagai alat utama untuk meningkatkan kesehatan (Tomiyama et al.,2017). Pembatasan asupan kalori sekitar 20-40% dari asupan kalori total, namun asupan tetap adekuat dapat menurunkan inflamasi (Trepanowski et al., 2010). Obesitas merupakan salah satu akibat konsumsi kalori berlebih yang menimbulkan inflamasi sehingga dapat meningkatkan risiko penyakit degeneratif (Susantiningsih, 2015). ...
... Background : Calorie restriction is a reduction in calorie intake without malnutrition, as the main tool to improve health (Tomiyama et al.,2017). Limitation of calorie intake around 20-40% of total calorie intake, but intake remains adequate to reduce inflammation (Trepanowski et al., 2010). Obesity is one of the consequences of excessive calorie consumption which causes inflammation so that it can increase the risk of degenerative diseases (Susantiningsih, 2015). ...
... And hyperplasia is a heavy obesity because in addition to growing cells also the number of cells becomes more (Sunny Wangko, 2014). One effort that can be done to reduce the increase in degenerative diseases is by limiting caloric intake or appropriate calorie restriction (Brzek et al., 2012) Restriksi Kalori didefinisikan sebagai pengurangan asupan kalori tanpa malnutrisi, sebagai alat utama untuk meningkatkan kesehatan (Tomiyama et al., 2018) Pembatasan asupan kalori sekitar 20-40% dari asupan kalori total, namun asupan tetap adekuat dapat menurunkan inflamasi (Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010) Jaringan adiposa adalah jaringan ikat khusus, terutama terdiri dari adiposit. Sel-sel ini tersebar sendiri atau berupa kelompok kecil dalam jaringan ikat; kebanyakan sel lemak terdapat dalam kelompok besar , yang membentuk jaringan adiposit yang tersebar di seruluh tubuh, jaringan adiposit, secara kasar dapat dianggap sebagai salah satu organ terbesar di tubuh (Mescher, 2010) Jaringan adiposa subkutan membentuk permukaan tubuh, sedangkan yang terdapat dalam bentuk bantalan berfungsi sebagai peredam goncangan, terutama di telapak tangan dan telapak kaki. ...
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... In humans, the Ramadan fast (RF) is annually practised by millions of adult Muslims worldwide during the lunar month (Rashed, 1992). This requires a shift from a regular feeding schedule to a specific nighttime Advances in circadian clock regulation of reproduction eating schedule (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). The RF is a state of intermittent liver glycogen depletion and repletion (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). ...
... This requires a shift from a regular feeding schedule to a specific nighttime Advances in circadian clock regulation of reproduction eating schedule (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). The RF is a state of intermittent liver glycogen depletion and repletion (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). The RF involves the readjustment of sleep and activity schedules, as well as the circadian rhythm secretions of several hormones, including cortisol, insulin, leptin, growth hormone, PRL, sex hormones, and adiponectin (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). ...
... The RF is a state of intermittent liver glycogen depletion and repletion (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). The RF involves the readjustment of sleep and activity schedules, as well as the circadian rhythm secretions of several hormones, including cortisol, insulin, leptin, growth hormone, PRL, sex hormones, and adiponectin (Lessan & Ali, 2019;Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). Despite the extreme heterogeneity of this group, a recent study found that RF is beneficial to one's health (such as using fat reserves and cleaning the body harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits) (Fernando, Zibellini, Harris, Seimon, & Sainsbury, 2019). ...
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... 12 A few studies have also reported a weight gain or no change in weight but the majority are in favour that generally, weight loss occurs during Ramadan. 10,16 Although certain confounding factors may be responsible for this discrepancy such as the duration of fasts (as it varies geographically), cigarette smoking, obesity, dietary patterns, medications, and cultural habits, etc. 17 We suggest that if fasting is observed in the coming months after Ramadan, it may lead to a sustained decrease in weight as is shown by a study that intermittent fasting for six months leads to a decrease in BMI, weight, and body fat mass. 18 As both Ramadan and intermittent fasting leads to weight loss, physicians can advise the various intermittent fasting regimens (whatever is suitable for the patient) after Ramadan and can achieve significant weight loss and its added benefits. ...
Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Public Sector Undergraduate Medical Students of Peshawar
Article
  • Mar 2023
Objective: To determine the effects of fasting on weight and eventually on Body Mass Index (BMI) in medical students of a Public Sector Medical College. Methods: It was a prospective analytical study conducted in a Public Sector Medical College in Peshawar City from 28th March to 20th May 2022 (1443 Hijri). Convenience Sampling was used and 115 students (58 male and 57 female) of 1st Year MBBS to Final Year MBBS were enrolled. Four readings of weight were taken, one before, two during, and one after Ramadan. A well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to inquire about basic demographic characteristics, sleep patterns during Ramadan and normal routine, and family history of obesity. The collected data were analyzed through SPSS software and a repeated measures ANOVA test was used for drawing statistical conclusions. Results: A slight increase in the mean weight was observed during the second week of Ramadan while a loss of 0.4 kg occurred during the fourth week of Ramadan, F (1, 81) = 1777.55; p < 0.0001. The same pattern was observed for BMI, F (1, 81) = 2705.18; p < 0.0001. However, the weight and the BMI were regained in two to three weeks following Ramadan. Conclusion: Ramadan offers a non-hazardous way of weight loss. Further studies across different geographical locations with larger sample sizes should be conducted to identify and quantify the association between weight and fasting and also to identify potential confounders. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7017 How to cite this: Majid A, Osama M, Noman M, Nisa U, Haider I. Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Body Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) in Public Sector Undergraduate Medical Students of Peshawar. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):662-666. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7017 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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... and sleep pattern [1,2] leading to change in the hemodynamic profile for Ramadan fasters. Fasting Ramadan has a significant metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory changes [3]. ...
Ann Rev Resear The Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Oral Anticoagulant: Experience of Tertiary Academic Hospital Annals of Reviews and Research
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2021
Introduction: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been approved for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). The outcomes achieved by clinical trials depend on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these drugs which are used orally in regular doses once or twice daily. During our routine practice we face an obligatory choice to prescribe NOAC twice daily during the month of Ramadan. Twice daily dose drugs in our practice as well as with Muslim patients everywhere in the world during the holy month of Ramadan. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of NOACs either once daily or twice daily used during the month of Ramadan for stroke prevention in Non-Valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: An observational study in tertiary university hospital at Saudi Arabia for 114 patient’s non-valvular atrial fibrillation on NOACs during the month of Ramadan 1441 H/ 2019 with laboratory follow ups before Ramadan and one month after for each patient who completed at least 15 days fasting during this Holy month of Ramadan 1441 H/ 2019. Results: 114 patients, 40 were on Rivaroxaban and 74 on Dabigatran, the baseline characteristic are similar except the history of myocardial infarction 28%, and Heart failure 58% in the Rivaroxaban arm which was higher than the Dabigatran arm 9%, & 12%. Regarding the concomitant medications used Aspirin in Rivaroxaban arm 33%, Dabigatran arm 11%, NSAID only Dabigatran arm 8%, %, no significant deferent in the stroke and bleeding events between two arms. Conclusion: The data shows that the Direct oral anticoagulant are effective and safe to be used in Ramadan for non-valvular atrial fibrillation regardless the frequency of anticoagulant , further studies are needed to support these findings in non-valvular atrial fibrillation and other indications.
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... During Lent, which lasts for 48 days, fasters abstain from dairy products, eggs, and meat. Additionally, fasters also abstain from olive oil on weekdays and from fish every day, except for 25 March and Palm Sunday [1,2]. During the 15-day Assumption fasting, fasters abstain from dairy products, eggs, and meat. ...
Christian Orthodox Fasting as a Traditional Diet with Low Content of Refined Carbohydrates That Promotes Human Health: A Review of the Current Clinical Evidence
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2023
Introduction: Christian Orthodox fasting is a pattern high in complex carbohydrates and low in refined carbohydrates. It has been explored in association with its potential health benefits. The present review aims to comprehensively explore the existing available clinical data concerning the potential favorable impact of the dietary pattern of Christian Orthodox fasting on human health. Methods: PubMed database, Web of Science and Google Scholar were extensively searched in order to identify the more appropriate clinical studies that explore the effect of Christian Orthodox fasting on health-related outcomes in humans utilizing relative keywords. We initially retrieved 121 records through database searching. After applying several exclusion criteria, 17 clinical studies were finally included in this review study. Discussion: Christian Orthodox fasting showed beneficial effects concerning glucose and lipid control, whereas the data for blood pressure remain inconclusive. Concerning weight control, fasters were characterized by lower body mass and lower caloric intake in the course of the fasting periods. During fasting, this pattern is higher in fruits and vegetables, showing the absence of dietary deficiencies for iron and folate. Nevertheless, dietary deficiencies were recorded for calcium and vitamin B2, and also hypovitaminosis D has been noticed in monks. Interestingly, the vast majority of monks do present with both good quality of life and mental health. Conclusions: Overall, Christian Orthodox fasting is a dietary pattern low in refined carbohydrates and high in complex carbohydrates and fiber that may be beneficial for human health promotion and chronic disease prevention. However, further studies are strongly recommended on the impact of long-term religious fasting on HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
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... Bu iki pasaja dayanarak, günümüz Daniel Fast beslenmesi belirli yiyeceklerin isteğe bağlı alımını içerir, ancak yiyecek seçenekleri meyveler, sebzeler, kepekli tahıllar, baklagiller, kabuklu yemişler, tohumlar ve yağ ile sınırlıdır. Bu plan, sağlığı geliştirici özellikler sağladığı bildirilen vegan bir diyete benzerlik göstermektedir (Trepanowski ve Bloomer, 2010). ...
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... Meskipun frekuensi makan dibatasi, kualitas makanan harus ditingkatkan guna memenuhi kebutuhan zat gizi sehari (Norhasanah & Salman, 2021). Pola makan selama ramadhan mengalami perubahan, diantaranya berupa praktik makan yang cenderung dilakukan dengan porsi besar sesaat setelah matahari terbenam dan porsi kecil sesaat sebelum matahari terbit (Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010). ...
PKM Penyuluhan Menjaga Imunitas saat Berpuasa pada Masa Pandemi dan Pemeriksaan Kesehatan Desa Sukorejo Kabupaten Pekalongan
Article
  • Aug 2021
Ramadan fasting is a fast that must be done by Muslims during the month of Ramadan for a full month. Diet during Ramadan tends to change, due to differences in meal times compared to other months. The pandemic period coincides with the month of Ramadan which sometimes neglects health and diet during breaking and sahur. It is important to maintain immunity when fasting during a pandemic in order to improve health. This community service activity program is to increase knowledge and understanding of maintaining diet when fasting. The result of this activity was an increase in knowledge about health and continued with medical examinations, namely checking blood pressure, checking blood sugar levels, checking uric acid levels and checking cholesterol levels.
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The Impact of the Hypercaloric Diet versus the Mediterranean Diet on Insulin Sensitivity
Article
  • Jan 2023
"Obesity affects the population worldwide. A hypercaloric diet associated with a sedentary life, stress, and genetic background, triggers various metabolic disorders, such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cognitive impairment. A healthy diet correlated with physical activity, not smoking, and moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of developing metabolic diseases. The Mediterranean diet contains antioxidants, fiber, polyunsaturated fats, and compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. In a wide variety of species including humans, the reduction of calories between 20-40% significantly improves health, increaseslongevity, and delaysthe development of various pathologies. The main aim of this review is to present the comparative effects of the Mediterranean diet versus the hypercaloric diet on insulin sensitivity. "
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The Islamic Perspective on the Effect of Religiosity, Anxiety and Belief regarding COVID-19 on Undisclosed Status of COVID-19 in the Muslim Youth
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2022
Many people who suffered from COVID-19 symptoms have been diagnosed as positive for COVID-19. However, most of them did not want to reveal their COVID-19 status. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of religiosity, anxiety, and COVID-19 belief on the undeclared status of COVID-19 in Muslim youth. This study uses a cross-sectional design; researchers will conduct research on Muslim youth in North Sumatra Province, with the main criteria suspecting COVID-19. Researchers will provide informed consent to Muslim youth parents (in case there are Muslim youths aged 16-17 years) for seeking formal permission to participate in this research process. In this study, data was analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression with 95% confidence intervals. This research was conducted on 826 Muslim youth who are willing to be respondents and suspect COVID-19 with symptom or had a contact with the closest family member who is diagnosed positive for COVID-19. There was no influence between social economics in COVID-19 (p=0.709; 95% CI), religiosity (p=0.88; 95% CI), anxiety (p=0.147; 95% CI) on undisclosed status of COVID-19. The results of this study indicate that youth who do not believe in COVID-19 have 2,351 risk (1.27-432; 95% CI) on undisclosed status of COVID-19 compared to youth who believe in COVID-19 experience on undisclosed status of COVID-19. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission caused by Undisclosed Status COVID-19, the Indonesian government must increase Muslim youth confidence in COVID-19. Keywords: Anxiety, Belief of COVID-19, Islamic Perspective, Muslim Youth, Religiosity, Undisclosed Status.
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Ramadan Fasting and Weight-Lifting Training on Vascular Volumes and Hematological Profiles in Young Male Weight-Lifters
Article
Full-text available
During the holy month of Ramadan the quality of food and eating patterns changed and drinking will be stoppedfor at least 10 to 16 hours on the basis lunar calendar. The effects of exercise and fasting solely or combined onmetabolic and hematologic responses well established. The purpose of the present study was to study the effects ofRamadan fasting with or without weight-lifting training on vascular volumes and selected hematological indices inyoung male weight-lifters. Blood samples were taken at 24h before and 24h after the last day of holy Ramadanfasting period and weight-lifting training for determination of the selected red and white blood cells compositions.The Vascular volumes (Blood, Red cells, and plasma volumes) were determined and calculated by using bothhemoglobin and hematocrit estimations before and after Ramadan fasting with or without weight-lifting training.The results indicate that red cell volume and MCHC were significantly decreased and increased in fasting group(Phigher and significant platelet count was found in training group. The present data indicate that weight-liftingtraining during the holy Ramadan in compare to fasting had no impact on red and white cells compositionexception on platelet count and Hematocrit. A decrease in Hematocrit might be due to the incomplete dehydrationperiod which amplified by stop drinking and nutritional habits during the holy Ramadan.
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The Effect of Periodic Vegetarianism on Serum Retinol and alpha-tocopherol Levels
Article
Full-text available
The Greek Orthodox Christian (GOC) diet is unique in that it regularly interchanges between an omnivorous to a vegetarian type of diet over the course of the ecclesiastical year, and no study to date has focused on its impact on antioxidant vitamins A (retinol) and E (alpha-tocopherol) status. Thirty-seven strict adherents of the GOC, mainly priests and nuns, (18 males, 19 females, mean age 43.0 +/- 13.1 years), and 48 age- and sex-matched controls (21 males, 27 females; mean age 38.6 +/- 9.6 years) were studied prior (pre) and at the end (end) of the Christmas fasting (CF) period (40 days), when meat and dairy products are prohibited. Fasters had been following all dietary recommendations of the GOC for a mean of 21.2 +/- 15.7 years. Compared to the control group, fasters had higher pre- retinol and pre- alpha-tocopherol levels. Fasters reduced their retinol (-0.8 +/- 0.6 mu mol/1) and alpha-tocopherol levels (-8.0 +/- 6.6 mu mol/L) during the CF period, whereas controls increased them (0.3 +/- 0.7 and 0.4 +/- 4.8 mu mol/L, respectively, p<0.001). Nevertheless, values in both groups were well above the lowest cut-off points. All subjects had alpha-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio >2.25, which is a cut-off value for the anti-atherogenic influence of alpha-tocopherol. Changes of serum alpha-tocopherol and retinol within the CF period correlated positively with changes in total cholesterol (p=0.013 and p=0.017, respectively), whereas the latter was also correlated with changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein (TC:HDL) ratio (p=0.021 and p=0.049, respectively). Dietary intakes of several nutrients did not correlate with concentrations of retinol and alpha-tocopherol in either study group. These results suggest that adherence to the GOC diet does not increase the risk of antioxidant vitamins A and E deficiency.
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Effect of a 21 day Daniel Fast on metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk factors in men and women
Article
Full-text available
Dietary modification via caloric restriction is associated with multiple effects related to improved metabolic and cardiovascular health. However, a mandated reduction in kilocalories is not well-tolerated by many individuals, limiting the long-term application of such a plan. The Daniel Fast is a widely utilized fast based on the Biblical book of Daniel. It involves a 21 day ad libitum food intake period, devoid of animal products and preservatives, and inclusive of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. The purpose of the present study was to determine the efficacy of the Daniel Fast to improve markers of metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk. 43 subjects (13 men; 30 women; 35 ± 1 yrs; range: 20-62 yrs) completed a 21 day period of modified food intake in accordance with detailed guidelines provided by investigators. All subjects purchased and prepared their own food. Following initial screening, subjects were given one week to prepare for the fast, after which time they reported to the lab for their pre-intervention assessment (day 1). After the 21 day fast, subjects reported to the lab for their post-intervention assessment (day 22). For both visits, subjects reported in a 12 hr fasted state, performing no strenuous physical activity during the preceding 24-48 hrs. At each visit, mental and physical health (SF-12 form), resting heart rate and blood pressure, and anthropometric variables were measured. Blood was collected for determination of complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid panel, insulin, HOMA-IR, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Subjects' self-reported compliance, mood, and satiety in relation to the fast were also recorded. Diet records were maintained by all subjects during the 7 day period immediately prior to the fast (usual intake) and during the final 7 days of the fast. Subjects' compliance to the fast was 98.7 ± 0.2% (mean ± SEM). Using a 10 point scale, subjects' mood and satiety were both 7.9 ± 0.2. The following variables were significantly (p < 0.05) lower following the fast as compared to before the fast: white blood cell count (5.68 ± 0.24 vs. 4.99 ± 0.19 103.μL-1), blood urea nitrogen (13.07 ± 0.58 vs. 10.14 ± 0.59 mg.dL-1), blood urea nitrogen/creatinine (14.74 ± 0.59 vs. 11.67 ± 0.68), protein (6.95 ± 0.07 vs. 6.77 ± 0.06 g.dL-1), total cholesterol (171.07 ± 4.57 vs. 138.69 ± 4.39 mg.dL-1), LDL-C (98.38 ± 3.89 vs. 76.07 ± 3.53 mg.dL-1), HDL-C (55.65 ± 2.50 vs. 47.58 ± 2.19 mg.dL-1), SBP (114.65 ± 2.34 vs. 105.93 ± 2.12 mmHg), and DBP (72.23 ± 1.59 vs. 67.00 ± 1.43 mmHg). Insulin (4.42 ± 0.52 vs. 3.37 ± 0.35 μU.mL-1; p = 0.10), HOMA-IR (0.97 ± 0.13 vs.0.72 ± 0.08; p = 0.10), and CRP (3.15 ± 0.91 vs. 1.60 ± 0.42 mg.L-1; p = 0.13), were lowered to a clinically meaningful, albeit statistically insignificant extent. No significant difference was noted for any anthropometric variable (p > 0.05). As expected, multiple differences in dietary intake were noted (p < 0.05), including a reduction in total kilocalorie intake (2185 ± 94 vs. 1722 ± 85). A 21 day period of modified dietary intake in accordance with the Daniel Fast is 1) well-tolerated by men and women and 2) improves several risk factors for metabolic and cardiovascular disease. Larger scale, randomized studies, inclusive of a longer time period and possibly a slight modification in food choice in an attempt to maintain HDL cholesterol, are needed to extend these findings.
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The Effect of Periodic Vegetarianism on Serum Retinol and α-tocopherol Levels
Article
Full-text available
The Greek Orthodox Christian (GOC) diet is unique in that it regularly interchanges between an omnivorous to a vegetarian type of diet over the course of the ecclesiastical year, and no study to date has focused on its impact on antioxidant vitamins A (retinol) and E (alpha-tocopherol) status. Thirty-seven strict adherents of the GOC, mainly priests and nuns, (18 males, 19 females, mean age 43.0 + or - 13.1 years), and 48 age- and sex- matched controls (21 males, 27 females; mean age 38.6 + or - 9.6 years) were studied prior (pre) and at the end (end) of the Christmas fasting (CF) period (40 days), when meat and dairy products are prohibited. Fasters had been following all dietary recommendations of the GOC for a mean of 21.2 + or - 15.7 years. Compared to the control group, fasters had higher pre- retinol and pre- alpha-tocopherol levels. Fasters reduced their retinol (-0.8 + or - 0.6 micromol/l) and alpha-tocopherol levels (-8.0 + or - 6.6 micromol/L) during the CF period, whereas controls increased them (0.3 + or - 0.7 and 0.4 + or - 4.8 micromol/L, respectively, p<0.001). Nevertheless, values in both groups were well above the lowest cut-off points. All subjects had alpha-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio >2.25, which is a cut-off value for the anti-atherogenic influence of alpha-tocopherol. Changes of serum alpha-tocopherol and retinol within the CF period correlated positively with changes in total cholesterol (p=0.013 and p=0.017, respectively), whereas the latter was also correlated with changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein (TC:HDL) ratio (p=0.021 and p=0.049, respectively). Dietary intakes of several nutrients did not correlate with concentrations of retinol and alpha-tocopherol in either study group. These results suggest that adherence to the GOC diet does not increase the risk of antioxidant vitamins A and E deficiency.
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Effect of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric parameters and food consumption in 276 type 2 diabetic obese women
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2009
To assess the effect of Ramadan fasting on body weight and food consumption in type 2 diabetic obese women. A total of 276 outpatient women receiving oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) (BMI = 34.63 +/- 3.29 kg/m(2)), aged 49 (+/-6 years), were selected. The study was carried out over three periods - before (T1: prefasting), during (T2: fasting), and after (T3: postfasting) Ramadan - in three towns located in the northwestern region of Algeria. During the course of 3 days, the daily food intake and anthropometric parameters weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index (BMI), and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were recorded. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA test was used to compare the groups. The main effect of fasting during Ramadan was a significant weight loss (-3.12 kg i.e. 3.70%; P < 0.01), a decrease in meal frequency (2.2 +/- 0.3 vs. 4.3 +/- 0.4) as well as in energy intake (1488 +/- 118 vs.1823 +/- 262 Kcal/d) and an important increase in dietary fat consumption (35.84 vs. 25.36%), especially the saturated one (231Kca/d i.e. 43.25%) of total fat, dietary cholesterol (392 +/- 121 vs. 221 +/- 73 mg/d), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Except in three cases, there were no frequent hypoglycaemic episodes observed among the participants. Fasting during the month of Ramadan causes weight loss and decrease in calorie intake, which is correlated with a decrease in meal frequency. However, more foods rich in fat and dietary cholesterol were consumed during this period. The latter could constitute a high risk for diabetics who are fasting, in particular when medication advice and/or health care control are insufficient or ignored.
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Effect of Ramadan fasting on some biochemical and hematological parameters in Tunisian youth soccer players undertaking their usual training and competition schedule
Article
  • Dec 2008
Competitive Muslim athletes often have to train and compete during the holy month of Ramadan when they abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. In this study, we investigated the effect of Ramadan fasting on some biochemical and haematological parameters in 78 Tunisian junior male soccer players aged 16-19 years who continued their usual schedule of daily training and weekly competition. The study population was divided into four groups based on the time of day of sampling (am or pm) and on whether they were fasting (48 players: 28 am and 20 pm) or non-fasting (30 players: 14 am and 16 pm). Resting venous blood samples were collected approximately 3 weeks before Ramadan, after 2 and 4 weeks of Ramadan, and 3 weeks after the end of Ramadan. Some small, but statistically significant, modifications were observed in circulating concentrations of haemoglobin, ferritin, transferrin, creatinine and cortisol, but the mean values for all variables were always within the reference ranges. The minor changes observed during Ramadan may be explained by changes in patterns of food consumption, activity patterns and by hypohydration. The results suggest that the combination of the changes in eating time and frequency during Ramadan fasting, together with the continuation of normal training load, has no marked effect on the blood profiles of these adolescent athletes.
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Dietary intake and body composition of football players during the holy month of Ramadan
Article
  • Dec 2008
Healthy young male football players who were either fasting (n = 59) or not fasting (n = 36) during the month of Ramadan were studied. Body mass, body composition, and dietary intake were assessed at each time point. Energy intake was relatively stable in the fasting participants, but there was a small decrease of approximately 0.7 kg in body mass during Ramadan. Mean daily energy intake increased from 14.8 MJ (s = 2.9) to 18.1 MJ (s = 3.2) during Ramadan in non-fasting participants, with concomitant increases in body mass and body fat content of about 1.4 kg and 1% respectively over the month. The fractional intake of protein increased and the fractional contribution of carbohydrate decreased for both groups in Ramadan. Estimated mean daily water intake was high (about 3.8 litres) throughout the study period. Water intake increased on average by 1.3 litres . day(-1) in line with the greater energy intake in the non-fasting group in Ramadan. Daily sodium intake fell during Ramadan in the fasting participants from 5.4 g (s = 1.1) before Ramadan to 4.3 g (s = 1.0) during Ramadan, but increased slightly by about 0.7 g . day(-1) in the non-fasting group. Dietary iron decreased in the fasting group and increased in the non-fasting group, reflecting the difference in energy intake in both groups during Ramadan. These data suggest that Ramadan fasting had some effects on diet composition, but the effects were generally small even though the pattern of eating was very different. After Ramadan, the dietary variables reverted to the pre-Ramadan values.
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