Evaluation of the effects of Islamic fasting on the biochemical markers of health.

Abstract

Introduction: Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, during which Muslims are obliged to perform specific rites and rituals. Fasting is considered the most important ritual during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting variably influences the health of individuals, which could be attributed to the changes in the concentrations of certain biochemical markers. This study aimed to elucidate the health effects of fasting through evaluating the impact of this Islamic duty on blood biochemistry. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 40 male volunteers employed at North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.Data collection and phlebotomy were performed before fast breaking(Iftar) on the first and last day of Ramadan. Fasting duration was 11 hours per day. Serum biochemical factors, including blood glucose, uric acid, albumin, low-density lipoprotein(LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol and triglyceride(TG), were measured in all the participants at the beginning and end of Ramadan. Data analysis was performed in SPSS using paired-samples T-test to compare the mean variables. Results: Mean age of the participants in this study was 39.11±8.602 years. After one month of fasting, a significant reduction was observed in the mean levels of blood glucose, uric acid, TG, and LDL(P<0.05). Moreover, mean levels of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol had an insignificant decrease, while mean albumin level significantly increased at the end of Ramadan(P=0.000). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Ramadan fasting could lower blood cholesterol and uric acid, while enhancing the level of albumin in healthy adults.